Please click the "follow" button in the Supporter section below (you can register just with your initials) if you support the development of free fitness programs for military families overseas. The FamFit proposal spells out one way of achieving that aim, and provides examples of where family fitness programs are currently operational and effective. The FamFit proposal is currently being reviewed by the office of the Secretary of Defense, Armed Forces leadership, and Congress (see their letters in the "Blog Contents" section below). Please help us show grass-roots support!
The following was a summary of the FamFit issue which I submitted as a topic for inclusion in the 2010 European Quality of Life Conference. If approved, the FamFit proposal & issue will be featured and discussed by Europe's military commanders there:
DESCRIPTION OF THE ISSUE:
The Military Family Fitness (FamFit) Proposal proposes unrivalled quality of support to military families through free fitness programming, and is well-worth the government's investment to offer all families living overseas. Military families overseas need more programs they can depend on to provide reliable and quantifiable support. The adage "We recruit Soldiers but we retain families" attests the inseparability of a healthy family relationship and the overall effectiveness and long-term retention likelihood of the military Soldier. Keeping military families constructively engaged and socially connected will help insure their Soldier counterparts maintain focus and drive, on the battlefield or with loved ones at home. In the KMC, Stuttgart, Grafenwoehr, Vicenza, and Aviano are now nearly 10 volunteers, all professionally certified, who simultaneously yet completely unbeknownst from one another felt obliged to volunteer hundreds of free hours of their professional fitness training services to benefit military spouses and families. No single action could serve to more demonstratively prove the military community's dire need for such services. These critical services should never have to depend on volunteerism to survive.
Key characteristics of FamFit (The entire proposal can be found here):
1. Involves at onset only the twelve largest overseas Army/Air Force Installations. FamFit's success in significantly reducing costs associated with issues such as obesity, depression, divorce, illicit drug use, gambling, and illness, and its success in significantly improving overall community fitness levels, will justify its implementation in domestic or smaller installations.
2. Proposes hiring two additional GS-11 Health Educators within Health and Wellness Centers supporting overseas Army/Air Force Installations. The Health Educators will, within 20 working days of employment, research and justify whether to outsource their installation's fitness training to a civilian agency, or to create NAF positions for trainers (Additional hiring provides more employment options for overseas military spouses). Health Educators will recommend a programming structure they believe will prove most effective in building fitness levels of their installation's military families, and can include any combination of certifications in their Trainers. Health Educators will be responsible for periodic completion of fitness progress assessments, and for formal submission back to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports detailing strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned, prior to fiscal year close. This will enforce Health Educators' accountability, will stimulate pursuit of excellence through competition between U.S. Forces Installations, and will allow mutually beneficial knowledge-sharing of optimal fitness programming after the Council posts fitness programs' details online. Installations exhibiting superior fitness programming get recognized & rewarded.
3. Limits each installation's fitness contracts to a one-year trial in order to eliminate any perception that the Department of Defense endorses any one fitness program or contracted organization. At the close of each fiscal year, contracts will be at the mercy of free market; any employee holding any particular mix of fitness certifications and any organization who can contract fitness training services is eligible for a one-year trial. Quality programs and quality certifications will rise to the top but will be forced to stay competitive. The military family stands to benefit the most from such a programming concept.
FamFit can also be expanded to involve Warrior Transition Units (WTUs). A separate paper proposing FamFit's integration with WTUs is found here. WTU soldiers crave the consistency and security of a daily exercise regimen and the certainty of long-range fitness programming provision. Personalized attention and progressive fitness programs increase morale, enhance positive lifestyle outlook, and improve individual perceptions of care, inspiring soldiers to invest more in their recovery and accelerate comprehensive success. The opportunity to lower long-term care costs and improve standards of living for these soldiers should motivate the government to directly address and prioritize provision of quality fitness training.
In recommending designation of 2009 as the Year of the Military Family, Congress sent a clear message that the nation recognizes the extraordinary challenges and sacrifice of its military families. FamFit gives the government an economically viable method of paying them back. Giving military parents more options for healthy choices and supporting the provision of healthy activities for their families satisfies two of the four objectives of First Lady Obama's "Let's Move" Task Force on Childhood Obesity. No other program or service with such so nominal a price tag could deliver as qualitatively comparable a measure of improvement on self-esteem, health, social support, and mental stability for the military family as free Family Fitness Programming.
APPROACHES THAT HAVE BOTH SUCCEEDED AND FAILED:
Have to address happenings in the KMC only, because regrettably I don't have the time required to research and present family-friendly fitness programs which have been popping up over the European theatre (Note Stuttgart's family fitness program recently featured in the media).
True Family Fitness courses* currently running and succeeding, except where otherwise noted:
1. KMC Classes which currently allow the presence of kids:
CoreFit at Ramstein CYS
Stroller Strides at Ramstein CYS
Prenatal at Ramstein CYS
2. KMC Classes urging participation of parents with kids:
Mom Pop & Tots in Landstuhl
Failures of Family Fitness courses in the KMC
Family fitness courses need command support, influence, and defence. Renee Champagne taught fitness classes for an extended period of time at Vogelweh Youth Center, but did not feel supported by her chain of command. She moved her classes to Ramstein.
It is a failure for the organization when only one instructor is handling an overload of fitness classes, attempting to meet the community's need and experiencing some degree of burnout. There is a huge demand for True Family Fitness courses in the KMC, and besides the one exception Moms Pop & Tots course in Landstuhl (offered through SkiesUnlimited USAG Kaiserslautern), Renee Champagne is the only qualified instructor available. Her command should be scrambling now: They need to increase the amount they are willing to pay qualified instructors who teach family fitness related courses. They need to pay to send some of their employees to family fitness certifications so that someone (or perhaps a group of people) can seamlessly take over Renee's clientele following her imminent departure. Identical scenarios occur frequently at military posts all over Europe, and this is why FamFit proposes full-time positions for qualified instructors. It is the military family that suffers when they are left with no fitness instructor, a cancelled course notice, and no other options.
*The KMC also offers many fitness (gymnastics, dance, martial arts, yogakids) and sports groups exclusively for kids at a nominal price. These aren't considered true family fitness courses for the FamFit proposal's purposes, but certainly are needed and appreciated by the community, and I didn't want to give the impression I am overlooking them.
RECOMMENDATION FOR CONTINUED HANDLING OF OVERSEAS MILITARY FAMILY FITNESS COURSES:
Introduce more economically feasible family-friendly fitness programs for overseas military families through implementation of FamFit. More programs are needed which allow parents to exercise in the presence of children or in conjunction with their child. Family friendly fitness programs are working tremendously in the KMC, drawing crowds of participants, and even changing lives (we have testimonials from participants). But KMC family fitness courses still need expansion and leveraging to insure their continued success. Military families stationed overseas need cost-free family fitness programs. The FamFit proposal is certainly not the only (nor even perhaps the best) way of achieving that end, but should serve instead as a red alert that we need to be speeding toward fulfillment of that end!
Ginger Sladky, Certified Fitness Trainer, FamFit Author
_______________________________
Recent Updates
Employees at the Aviano AB fitness facility have a free Moms and Tots course that is taught by a volunteer. Aviano also offers a free spinning class for family members which is also taught by a volunteer - it allows its participants to exercise with their kids on the other side of a short wall, insuring constant observation and child safety. Aviano had a stroller aerobics class in the past, it was also organized and run by a volunteer, but they are currently looking for a trainer for that course. Interestingly at Aviano, when volunteers have issues making it to class, their training is taken over by enlisted soldier staff at the fitness facility. SGT Robinson, who works at the Aviano gym, claimed that he personally intended to provide this free training for the stroller aerobics class, and mentioned that he was also considering introducing a prenatal/postnatal fitness program for spouses but that it wouldn't allow toddlers/infants in tow.
It seems to be a workable solution when enlisted personnel employed at fitness centers are involved in the free training of military families. Enlisted soldiers working at fitness centers for the most part hold a fitness-training-inclusive Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). When they are reassigned, their "slot" (job position) theoretically is overlapped/filled by a replacement soldier with the same MOS and training background. Fitness training gets continuity. More soldiers with that fitness-related MOS could conceivably be assigned should a family fitness program become more popular than existing assigned soldiers can handle on top of their other duties and responsibilities.
Local Ramstein Air Force Base Services Division management has been extremely supportive in allowing Military Family-Friendly Fitness Programs to be offered at Ramstein Air Force Base. Services Division now offers fitness programs (yoga, prenatal, and core-strength), which allow participants to bring their kids (currently ranging in age from 3 months to 5 years) with them to class. Details concerning these programs are another recent update to the FamFit proposal (See Section III, Point 2,B). Unfortunately participants are charged a fee in all cases.
There is progress, however, and clear examples not only that Family Fitness programs work for military overseas families, but that they are in high demand. By all early indications, family fitness programs are capable of being safe for all involved, are feasible for overseas implementation, are enormously effective in enhancing participant fitness levels, and by all accounts (see testimonials) impact entire families' perspectives regarding fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
At Ramstein Air Force Base Southside gym, FREE indoor cycling classes (currently 9 with 3 more planned for January), body sculpt classes (2), ab/core classes (2), a step class and a kickbox class (with 2 more planned in January) are currently offered. But all instructors are volunteers, and none of them receives funding for their certifications, music, clothing, or personal childcare. Childcare is not provided for class participants; children are prohibited from being in the facility during a class (although a separate parent room is provided, it is unsupervised).
Although it is commendable that most military fitness facilities, at least in the Kaiserslautern Military Community, offer a room containing exercise equipment (normally a treadmill and an elliptical machine, sometimes a bike) equipped with toys and sometimes a TV for childrens' entertainment, more can be done and needs to be done for military overseas families. Many family-centered fitness programs are already offered free to stateside-based military families. In October 2008, DoD contracted the Armed Services YMCA to offer free "family" memberships with free child watch programs at local YMCAs to many military families living stateside (32,000 of which already actively participate in the program). Now it is time to provide the same free services to Military families stationed overseas who arguably stand to gain far more in health and wellness benefits (read proposal for detailed explanation of the overseas military community need for such services).
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Letter to Senator Cornyn
Dear Senator Cornyn,
I’m a military spouse and stay-at-home mom to a 2 ½ year old. I am proposing a government-funded fitness program for military families stationed overseas. This year which may be designated the Year of the Military Family, such a proposal has an excellent chance of gaining bi-partisan emphasis and tenacious support. I really respect all your work with fitness/health promotion, including the pending WHIP Act, and would really appreciate your endorsement of this proposal.
More programs are needed which provide sources of reliable and quantifiable support to military family members, especially those stationed overseas, who are currently struggling disproportionately against depression, stress, gambling, illicit drug use, and other destructive behaviors. Such programs exist, and military families have been calling for them in droves. Overseas military families are offered a steady supply of activities, programs and services to keep them occupied and constructively engaged, but none bolster their self-esteem, their health, and their mental stability comparably to Family Fitness Programs. Fitness programs and activities encouraging whole-family participation need more formalized emphasis and standardized support throughout U.S. Air Force and Army installations overseas. The adage "We recruit soldiers but we retain families" is used to attest the criticality of a healthy family relationship to the overall effectiveness and long-term retention likelihood of the military soldier for good reason. Military families are widely-regarded to be as important to national security as uniformed service members.
My recommendation is to develop a government-funded military family fitness program in order to directly address the physical and mental wellbeing of military families, and to significantly strengthen their social support network. In order to be effective and sustainable, while applicable across a broad range of installations, two additional GS-11 Health Educators need to be hired within Health and Wellness Centers supporting overseas Army and Air Force Installations. These individuals will be responsible for planning and implementing a family-oriented fitness program and to design an optimal framework for ability-group instruction (alternately and when cost effective, they can choose to outsource hiring of trainers). Health Educators will also be responsible for participants' periodic completion of fitness progress assessments, and for formal submission back to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports detailing strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned, prior to fiscal year close. This will enforce Health Educators' accountability on a public scale, will stimulate pursuit of excellence through competition between U.S. Forces Installations, and will allow mutually beneficial knowledge-sharing of optimal fitness programming (the Council will post fitness programs' scores and lessons learned online). Such a program will allow freedom of specification and execution within military installations, while encouraging friendly competition and insuring accountability, holding two GS-11 Health Educators responsible for annual quantifiable fitness improvements.
I am requesting a trial run of a Military Family Fitness program involving at onset only the twelve largest overseas Army and Air Force Installations which host a significant number of forces who deploy to war zones. The program's success in significantly reducing costs associated with symptoms such as depression, divorce, illicit drug use, gambling, and chronic health issues (including obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and several forms of cancer), and its success in significantly improving overall community fitness levels, will justify discussion concerning its implementation in domestic or smaller installations. The total cost of the Military Family Fitness program to the US Government is approximately 2.4Million (estimating a median figure of 10k military/civilian family members per installation, the cost of funding two GS-11s per participating installation to be $150k/year, restricting Fitness Specialists' total expenditure on trainers to under $50 per eligible client per year and restricting total equipment costs to under $10,000 per fitness facility).
The full FamFit proposal is posted online at http://militaryfamilyfitness.blogspot.com/ and explains in detail why the program is needed, and what it will accomplish. Thank you sincerely for your time and consideration of this proposal.
Respectfully,
Ginger Sladky
I’m a military spouse and stay-at-home mom to a 2 ½ year old. I am proposing a government-funded fitness program for military families stationed overseas. This year which may be designated the Year of the Military Family, such a proposal has an excellent chance of gaining bi-partisan emphasis and tenacious support. I really respect all your work with fitness/health promotion, including the pending WHIP Act, and would really appreciate your endorsement of this proposal.
More programs are needed which provide sources of reliable and quantifiable support to military family members, especially those stationed overseas, who are currently struggling disproportionately against depression, stress, gambling, illicit drug use, and other destructive behaviors. Such programs exist, and military families have been calling for them in droves. Overseas military families are offered a steady supply of activities, programs and services to keep them occupied and constructively engaged, but none bolster their self-esteem, their health, and their mental stability comparably to Family Fitness Programs. Fitness programs and activities encouraging whole-family participation need more formalized emphasis and standardized support throughout U.S. Air Force and Army installations overseas. The adage "We recruit soldiers but we retain families" is used to attest the criticality of a healthy family relationship to the overall effectiveness and long-term retention likelihood of the military soldier for good reason. Military families are widely-regarded to be as important to national security as uniformed service members.
My recommendation is to develop a government-funded military family fitness program in order to directly address the physical and mental wellbeing of military families, and to significantly strengthen their social support network. In order to be effective and sustainable, while applicable across a broad range of installations, two additional GS-11 Health Educators need to be hired within Health and Wellness Centers supporting overseas Army and Air Force Installations. These individuals will be responsible for planning and implementing a family-oriented fitness program and to design an optimal framework for ability-group instruction (alternately and when cost effective, they can choose to outsource hiring of trainers). Health Educators will also be responsible for participants' periodic completion of fitness progress assessments, and for formal submission back to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports detailing strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned, prior to fiscal year close. This will enforce Health Educators' accountability on a public scale, will stimulate pursuit of excellence through competition between U.S. Forces Installations, and will allow mutually beneficial knowledge-sharing of optimal fitness programming (the Council will post fitness programs' scores and lessons learned online). Such a program will allow freedom of specification and execution within military installations, while encouraging friendly competition and insuring accountability, holding two GS-11 Health Educators responsible for annual quantifiable fitness improvements.
I am requesting a trial run of a Military Family Fitness program involving at onset only the twelve largest overseas Army and Air Force Installations which host a significant number of forces who deploy to war zones. The program's success in significantly reducing costs associated with symptoms such as depression, divorce, illicit drug use, gambling, and chronic health issues (including obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and several forms of cancer), and its success in significantly improving overall community fitness levels, will justify discussion concerning its implementation in domestic or smaller installations. The total cost of the Military Family Fitness program to the US Government is approximately 2.4Million (estimating a median figure of 10k military/civilian family members per installation, the cost of funding two GS-11s per participating installation to be $150k/year, restricting Fitness Specialists' total expenditure on trainers to under $50 per eligible client per year and restricting total equipment costs to under $10,000 per fitness facility).
The full FamFit proposal is posted online at http://militaryfamilyfitness.blogspot.com/ and explains in detail why the program is needed, and what it will accomplish. Thank you sincerely for your time and consideration of this proposal.
Respectfully,
Ginger Sladky
Letter to Congressman Wolf
August 4, 2009
Dear Congressman Wolf,
Being overseas adds to the challenges for mothers to find ways to exercise without worrying about childcare. We are away from family support networks and often experience deployments and long TDY’s which increases the stress on the active duty member, spouse, and the children. The military community has a higher rate of post-partum depression as well as the normal challenges of obesity, suicide and alcoholism related to these and other stresses. Exercise has been proven to raise endorphins which in turn will help the spouse better cope with these challenges.
My name is Renee Champagne. I am a veteran, Military spouse and a mother of two. I was awarded the Congressional Award in 1987 which you presented to me for my volunteer service. My colleague, Ginger Sladky, is also a veteran, spouse and mother of a young child. We both understand these challenges military families face, and realized there were no programs offered for moms and their children. We decided to develop, implement and advocate for these vital programs. These programs are incredibly successful as the letters included in this proposal will confirm. I have also included several articles in this proposal that show the benefits of family fitness for spouses and children.
More programs are needed that provide verifiable, quantifiable and ongoing support to military families struggling against depression, stress and other destructive behaviours. An example of such a program, unequalled in its effectiveness, but lacking adequate government support is military family fitness. Fitness programs structured around family involvement offer proven support for marriages, physical well-being and disease prevention, and improve mental focus and mental health. Fitness provides a critical foundation to individual perceptions of self worth and unmatched defence against symptoms of depression. The adage “ We recruit soldiers but retain families is used to support the criticality of a healthy family relationship to the overall effectiveness and long term retention of our soldiers. Military families are widely regarded to be as important to national security as uniformed services members. I am speaking on behalf of these families and asking for funding in order to support these vital programs and hire people who are knowledgeable in both fitness and how it relates to child development.
Sincerely,
Renee Champagne
Dear Congressman Wolf,
Being overseas adds to the challenges for mothers to find ways to exercise without worrying about childcare. We are away from family support networks and often experience deployments and long TDY’s which increases the stress on the active duty member, spouse, and the children. The military community has a higher rate of post-partum depression as well as the normal challenges of obesity, suicide and alcoholism related to these and other stresses. Exercise has been proven to raise endorphins which in turn will help the spouse better cope with these challenges.
My name is Renee Champagne. I am a veteran, Military spouse and a mother of two. I was awarded the Congressional Award in 1987 which you presented to me for my volunteer service. My colleague, Ginger Sladky, is also a veteran, spouse and mother of a young child. We both understand these challenges military families face, and realized there were no programs offered for moms and their children. We decided to develop, implement and advocate for these vital programs. These programs are incredibly successful as the letters included in this proposal will confirm. I have also included several articles in this proposal that show the benefits of family fitness for spouses and children.
More programs are needed that provide verifiable, quantifiable and ongoing support to military families struggling against depression, stress and other destructive behaviours. An example of such a program, unequalled in its effectiveness, but lacking adequate government support is military family fitness. Fitness programs structured around family involvement offer proven support for marriages, physical well-being and disease prevention, and improve mental focus and mental health. Fitness provides a critical foundation to individual perceptions of self worth and unmatched defence against symptoms of depression. The adage “ We recruit soldiers but retain families is used to support the criticality of a healthy family relationship to the overall effectiveness and long term retention of our soldiers. Military families are widely regarded to be as important to national security as uniformed services members. I am speaking on behalf of these families and asking for funding in order to support these vital programs and hire people who are knowledgeable in both fitness and how it relates to child development.
Sincerely,
Renee Champagne
Letter to Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Plans, Gail H. McGinn
4 September, 2009
Dear Gail H. McGinn, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Plans,
I am a military spouse, stay-at-home mom, and mother to a 2 1/2 year old. I represent overseas military families requesting family fitness programs as free services to assist them in handling the extraordinary challenges they face when stationed overseas in support of their active duty family members. I believe the proposal posted at http://militaryfamilyfitness.blogspot.com/ (FamFit) is the most functional way to implement a free fitness program for military families.
The key characteristics of FamFit:
1. Can be implemented on a trial basis, involving at onset only the twelve largest overseas Army and Air Force Installations which host a significant number of forces who deploy to war zones. The program's success in significantly reducing costs associated with symptoms such as obesity, depression, divorce, illicit drug use, gambling, and health issues (such as those associated with abnormal lipid levels and hypertension), and success in significantly improving overall community fitness levels, will justify discussion concerning its implementation in domestic or smaller installations.
2. Proposes hiring two additional GS-11 Health Educators (position descriptions are provided online) within Health and Wellness Centers supporting overseas Army and Air Force Installations. The Health Educators will, within 20 working days of the outset of their employment, research and justify whether to contract a civilian agency to provide fitness center training, or to create NAF positions for trainers certified in any family-friendly fitness program. Health Educators will recommend a programming structure they believe will prove most effective in building fitness levels of their installation's military families, and can include any combination of certifications in their Trainers such as Yoga, CrossFit, Postnatal sport, etc. Health Educators will also be responsible for participants' periodic completion of fitness progress assessments, and for formal submission back to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports detailing strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned, prior to fiscal year close. This will enforce Health Educators' accountability on a public scale, will stimulate pursuit of excellence through competition between U.S. Forces Installations, and will allow mutually beneficial knowledge-sharing of optimal fitness programming (the Council will post fitness programs' details online). Installations exhibiting superior fitness programming will be recognized and rewarded. Such a program will allow freedom of specification and execution within military installations, while encouraging fierce competition among installations and insuring monetary accountability to American tax payers, holding two GS-11 Health Educators responsible for annual quantifiable fitness improvements within the military families they serve. Such a program will promote fitness enrolment and involvement even among the greater American civilian population.
3. Contracting or hiring decisions concerning programming structure (deciding which employees with which fitness certifications to hire, or which contracted organization will be outsourced to provide fitness training), would be made at installation-level, and performed on a one-year trial basis in order to eliminate any perception that the Department of Defense endorses any one fitness program or contracted organization. At the close of each fiscal year, employees and contracted organizations will be at the mercy of free market; any employee holding any particular mix of fitness certifications and any organization who can contract fitness training services is eligible for a one-year trial. Quality programs and quality certifications will rise to the top but will be forced to stay competitive. The military family stands to benefit the most from such a programming concept.
4. The total cost of the Military Family Fitness program to the US Government is approximately 2.4Million (estimating a median figure of 10k military/civilian family members per installation, the cost of funding two GS-11s per participating installation to be $150k/year, restricting Health Educators' total expenditure on trainers to under $50 per eligible client per year and restricting total new equipment costs to under $10,000 per fitness facility).
Overseas military communities have proven the community need for family-member-accessible fitness programs. Testimonials report improved mental health, radically changed outlooks, and reformed lifestyles. No other program or service with such so nominal a price tag could deliver as qualitatively comparable a measure of improvement on self-esteem, health, social support, and mental stability for the military family as a Family Fitness Program.
Thank you sincerely for your time and consideration of this request.
Respectfully,
Ginger Sladky
Dear Gail H. McGinn, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Plans,
I am a military spouse, stay-at-home mom, and mother to a 2 1/2 year old. I represent overseas military families requesting family fitness programs as free services to assist them in handling the extraordinary challenges they face when stationed overseas in support of their active duty family members. I believe the proposal posted at http://militaryfamilyfitness.blogspot.com/ (FamFit) is the most functional way to implement a free fitness program for military families.
The key characteristics of FamFit:
1. Can be implemented on a trial basis, involving at onset only the twelve largest overseas Army and Air Force Installations which host a significant number of forces who deploy to war zones. The program's success in significantly reducing costs associated with symptoms such as obesity, depression, divorce, illicit drug use, gambling, and health issues (such as those associated with abnormal lipid levels and hypertension), and success in significantly improving overall community fitness levels, will justify discussion concerning its implementation in domestic or smaller installations.
2. Proposes hiring two additional GS-11 Health Educators (position descriptions are provided online) within Health and Wellness Centers supporting overseas Army and Air Force Installations. The Health Educators will, within 20 working days of the outset of their employment, research and justify whether to contract a civilian agency to provide fitness center training, or to create NAF positions for trainers certified in any family-friendly fitness program. Health Educators will recommend a programming structure they believe will prove most effective in building fitness levels of their installation's military families, and can include any combination of certifications in their Trainers such as Yoga, CrossFit, Postnatal sport, etc. Health Educators will also be responsible for participants' periodic completion of fitness progress assessments, and for formal submission back to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports detailing strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned, prior to fiscal year close. This will enforce Health Educators' accountability on a public scale, will stimulate pursuit of excellence through competition between U.S. Forces Installations, and will allow mutually beneficial knowledge-sharing of optimal fitness programming (the Council will post fitness programs' details online). Installations exhibiting superior fitness programming will be recognized and rewarded. Such a program will allow freedom of specification and execution within military installations, while encouraging fierce competition among installations and insuring monetary accountability to American tax payers, holding two GS-11 Health Educators responsible for annual quantifiable fitness improvements within the military families they serve. Such a program will promote fitness enrolment and involvement even among the greater American civilian population.
3. Contracting or hiring decisions concerning programming structure (deciding which employees with which fitness certifications to hire, or which contracted organization will be outsourced to provide fitness training), would be made at installation-level, and performed on a one-year trial basis in order to eliminate any perception that the Department of Defense endorses any one fitness program or contracted organization. At the close of each fiscal year, employees and contracted organizations will be at the mercy of free market; any employee holding any particular mix of fitness certifications and any organization who can contract fitness training services is eligible for a one-year trial. Quality programs and quality certifications will rise to the top but will be forced to stay competitive. The military family stands to benefit the most from such a programming concept.
4. The total cost of the Military Family Fitness program to the US Government is approximately 2.4Million (estimating a median figure of 10k military/civilian family members per installation, the cost of funding two GS-11s per participating installation to be $150k/year, restricting Health Educators' total expenditure on trainers to under $50 per eligible client per year and restricting total new equipment costs to under $10,000 per fitness facility).
Overseas military communities have proven the community need for family-member-accessible fitness programs. Testimonials report improved mental health, radically changed outlooks, and reformed lifestyles. No other program or service with such so nominal a price tag could deliver as qualitatively comparable a measure of improvement on self-esteem, health, social support, and mental stability for the military family as a Family Fitness Program.
Thank you sincerely for your time and consideration of this request.
Respectfully,
Ginger Sladky
Letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates
Dear Secretary of Defense Robert Gates,
I am the author of the Military Family Fitness Program which was a portion of the packet you received from Congressman Frank R. Wolf dated 6 August 2009. Renee Champagne and I represent overseas military families requesting free military family fitness programs in recognition of the extraordinary challenges they face when stationed overseas in support of their active duty family member. How those free fitness programs are implemented is of a secondary concern to both of us, but I believe the current revision posted at http://militaryfamilyfitness.blogspot.com/ is the most functional and would prove most beneficial to military families.
I am requesting a trial run of a Military Family Fitness program, involving at onset only the twelve largest overseas Army and Air Force Installations which host a significant number of forces who deploy to war zones. The program's success in significantly reducing costs associated with symptoms such as depression, divorce, illicit drug use, gambling, and chronic health issues (including obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and several forms of cancer), and its success in significantly improving overall community fitness levels, will justify discussion concerning its implementation in domestic or smaller installations.
In order to be effective and sustainable, while applicable across a broad range of installations, two additional GS-11 Health Educators need to be hired within Health and Wellness Centers supporting overseas Army and Air Force Installations (position descriptions are provided online). These individuals will be responsible for planning and implementing a family-oriented fitness program and for designing an optimal framework for ability-group instruction (alternately and when more cost effective, they can choose to outsource hiring of trainers). Health Educators will also be responsible for participants' periodic completion of fitness progress assessments, and for formal submission back to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports detailing strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned, prior to fiscal year close. This will enforce Health Educators' accountability on a public scale, will stimulate pursuit of excellence through competition between U.S. Forces Installations, and will allow broad-scale knowledge-sharing of optimal fitness programming (the Council will post fitness programs' scores and lessons learned online). Such a program will allow freedom of specification and execution within military installations, while encouraging fierce competition among installations and insuring monetary accountability to American tax payers, holding two GS-11 Health Educators responsible for annual quantifiable fitness improvements.
The total cost of the Military Family Fitness program to the US Government is approximately 2.4Million (estimating a median figure of 10k military/civilian family members per installation, the cost of funding two GS-11s per participating installation to be $150k/year, restricting Fitness Specialists' total expenditure on trainers to under $50 per eligible client per year and restricting total new equipment costs to under $10,000 per fitness facility).
Military family members, especially those stationed overseas, currently struggle disproportionately against depression, stress, gambling, illicit drug use, and other destructive behaviors. Fitness programs and activities encouraging whole-family participation provide sources of reliable and quantifiable support, and deserve standardized support throughout U.S. Air Force and Army installations overseas. The adage "We recruit soldiers but we retain families" is used to attest the criticality of a healthy family relationship to the overall effectiveness and long-term retention likelihood of the military soldier for good reason. Military families are justifiably regarded to be as important to national security as uniformed service members. No other program or service with such so nominal a price tag could deliver as qualitatively comparable a measure of improvement on self-esteem, health, social support, and mental stability as a Family Fitness Program.
Overseas military communities have proven the community need for family-member-accessible fitness programs. Testimonials (provided online) report improved mental health, radically changed outlooks, and reformed lifestyles. Military Community support is concrete and overtly numerous enough to justify further development of such family fitness programming, and to justify devoting additional personnel positions in permanent support.
Thank you sincerely for your time and consideration of this request.
Respectfully,
Ginger Sladky
I am the author of the Military Family Fitness Program which was a portion of the packet you received from Congressman Frank R. Wolf dated 6 August 2009. Renee Champagne and I represent overseas military families requesting free military family fitness programs in recognition of the extraordinary challenges they face when stationed overseas in support of their active duty family member. How those free fitness programs are implemented is of a secondary concern to both of us, but I believe the current revision posted at http://militaryfamilyfitness.blogspot.com/ is the most functional and would prove most beneficial to military families.
I am requesting a trial run of a Military Family Fitness program, involving at onset only the twelve largest overseas Army and Air Force Installations which host a significant number of forces who deploy to war zones. The program's success in significantly reducing costs associated with symptoms such as depression, divorce, illicit drug use, gambling, and chronic health issues (including obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and several forms of cancer), and its success in significantly improving overall community fitness levels, will justify discussion concerning its implementation in domestic or smaller installations.
In order to be effective and sustainable, while applicable across a broad range of installations, two additional GS-11 Health Educators need to be hired within Health and Wellness Centers supporting overseas Army and Air Force Installations (position descriptions are provided online). These individuals will be responsible for planning and implementing a family-oriented fitness program and for designing an optimal framework for ability-group instruction (alternately and when more cost effective, they can choose to outsource hiring of trainers). Health Educators will also be responsible for participants' periodic completion of fitness progress assessments, and for formal submission back to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports detailing strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned, prior to fiscal year close. This will enforce Health Educators' accountability on a public scale, will stimulate pursuit of excellence through competition between U.S. Forces Installations, and will allow broad-scale knowledge-sharing of optimal fitness programming (the Council will post fitness programs' scores and lessons learned online). Such a program will allow freedom of specification and execution within military installations, while encouraging fierce competition among installations and insuring monetary accountability to American tax payers, holding two GS-11 Health Educators responsible for annual quantifiable fitness improvements.
The total cost of the Military Family Fitness program to the US Government is approximately 2.4Million (estimating a median figure of 10k military/civilian family members per installation, the cost of funding two GS-11s per participating installation to be $150k/year, restricting Fitness Specialists' total expenditure on trainers to under $50 per eligible client per year and restricting total new equipment costs to under $10,000 per fitness facility).
Military family members, especially those stationed overseas, currently struggle disproportionately against depression, stress, gambling, illicit drug use, and other destructive behaviors. Fitness programs and activities encouraging whole-family participation provide sources of reliable and quantifiable support, and deserve standardized support throughout U.S. Air Force and Army installations overseas. The adage "We recruit soldiers but we retain families" is used to attest the criticality of a healthy family relationship to the overall effectiveness and long-term retention likelihood of the military soldier for good reason. Military families are justifiably regarded to be as important to national security as uniformed service members. No other program or service with such so nominal a price tag could deliver as qualitatively comparable a measure of improvement on self-esteem, health, social support, and mental stability as a Family Fitness Program.
Overseas military communities have proven the community need for family-member-accessible fitness programs. Testimonials (provided online) report improved mental health, radically changed outlooks, and reformed lifestyles. Military Community support is concrete and overtly numerous enough to justify further development of such family fitness programming, and to justify devoting additional personnel positions in permanent support.
Thank you sincerely for your time and consideration of this request.
Respectfully,
Ginger Sladky
Letter to the First Family
Dear Mr. President and First Lady Obama,
Copies of our Military Family Fitness Proposal were recently provided the COA and Military Services by Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Plans) Gail McGinn. We are military spouses who represent overseas military families requesting family fitness programs as **free** services to assist them in handling the extraordinary challenges they face when stationed overseas in support of their active duty family members. We believe our FamFit proposal (posted at http://militaryfamilyfitness.blogspot.com/ ) is the most functional way to implement a free fitness program for military families stationed overseas.
The key characteristics of FamFit (***recently slightly revised***):
1. Can be implemented on a trial basis, involving at onset only the twelve largest overseas Army and Air Force Installations which host a significant number of forces who deploy to war zones. The program's success in significantly reducing costs associated with symptoms such as obesity, depression, divorce, illicit drug use, gambling, and health issues (such as those associated with abnormal lipid levels and hypertension), and success in significantly improving overall community fitness levels, will justify discussion concerning its implementation in domestic or smaller installations.
2. Proposes hiring two additional GS-11 Health Educators (position descriptions are provided online) within Health and Wellness Centers supporting overseas Army and Air Force Installations. The Health Educators will, within 20 working days of the outset of their employment, research and justify whether to outsource fitness training to a civilian agency, or to create NAF positions for trainers. Health Educators will recommend a programming structure they believe will prove most effective in building fitness levels of their installation's military families, and can include any combination of certifications in their Trainers such as Yoga, CrossFit, Postnatal sport, etc. Health Educators will also be responsible for participants' periodic completion of fitness progress assessments, and for formal submission back to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports detailing strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned, prior to fiscal year close. This will enforce Health Educators' accountability on a public scale, will stimulate pursuit of excellence through competition between U.S. Forces Installations, and will allow mutually beneficial knowledge-sharing of optimal fitness programming (the Council will post fitness programs' details online). Installations exhibiting superior fitness programming will be recognized and rewarded. Such a program will allow freedom of specification and execution within military installations, while encouraging fierce competition among installations and insuring monetary accountability to American tax payers, holding two GS-11 Health Educators responsible for annual quantifiable fitness improvements within the military families they serve. Such a program will promote fitness enrolment and involvement even among the greater American civilian population.
3. Contracting or hiring decisions concerning programming structure (deciding which employees with which fitness certifications to hire, or which organization to contract when outsourcing fitness training), will be made at installation-level on a one-year trial basis in order to eliminate any perception that the Department of Defense endorses any one fitness program or contracted organization. At the close of each fiscal year, employees and contracted organizations will be at the mercy of free market; any employee holding any particular mix of fitness certifications and any organization who can contract fitness training services is eligible for a one-year trial. Quality programs and quality certifications will rise to the top but will be forced to stay competitive. The military family stands to benefit the most from such a programming concept.
4. The total cost of the Military Family Fitness program to the US Government is approximately 2.4Million (estimating a median figure of 10k military/civilian family members per installation, the cost of funding two GS-11s per participating installation to be $150k/year, restricting Health Educators' total expenditure on trainers to under $50 per eligible client per year and restricting total new equipment costs to under $10,000 per fitness facility).
Overseas military communities have proven the community need for family-member-accessible fitness programs. Testimonials report improved mental health, radically changed outlooks, and reformed lifestyles. No other program or service with such so nominal a price tag could deliver as qualitatively comparable a measure of improvement on self-esteem, health, social support, and mental stability for the military family as a Family Fitness Program.
We sincerely appreciate your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Ginger Sladky and Renee Champagne
Copies of our Military Family Fitness Proposal were recently provided the COA and Military Services by Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Plans) Gail McGinn. We are military spouses who represent overseas military families requesting family fitness programs as **free** services to assist them in handling the extraordinary challenges they face when stationed overseas in support of their active duty family members. We believe our FamFit proposal (posted at http://militaryfamilyfitness.blogspot.com/ ) is the most functional way to implement a free fitness program for military families stationed overseas.
The key characteristics of FamFit (***recently slightly revised***):
1. Can be implemented on a trial basis, involving at onset only the twelve largest overseas Army and Air Force Installations which host a significant number of forces who deploy to war zones. The program's success in significantly reducing costs associated with symptoms such as obesity, depression, divorce, illicit drug use, gambling, and health issues (such as those associated with abnormal lipid levels and hypertension), and success in significantly improving overall community fitness levels, will justify discussion concerning its implementation in domestic or smaller installations.
2. Proposes hiring two additional GS-11 Health Educators (position descriptions are provided online) within Health and Wellness Centers supporting overseas Army and Air Force Installations. The Health Educators will, within 20 working days of the outset of their employment, research and justify whether to outsource fitness training to a civilian agency, or to create NAF positions for trainers. Health Educators will recommend a programming structure they believe will prove most effective in building fitness levels of their installation's military families, and can include any combination of certifications in their Trainers such as Yoga, CrossFit, Postnatal sport, etc. Health Educators will also be responsible for participants' periodic completion of fitness progress assessments, and for formal submission back to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports detailing strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned, prior to fiscal year close. This will enforce Health Educators' accountability on a public scale, will stimulate pursuit of excellence through competition between U.S. Forces Installations, and will allow mutually beneficial knowledge-sharing of optimal fitness programming (the Council will post fitness programs' details online). Installations exhibiting superior fitness programming will be recognized and rewarded. Such a program will allow freedom of specification and execution within military installations, while encouraging fierce competition among installations and insuring monetary accountability to American tax payers, holding two GS-11 Health Educators responsible for annual quantifiable fitness improvements within the military families they serve. Such a program will promote fitness enrolment and involvement even among the greater American civilian population.
3. Contracting or hiring decisions concerning programming structure (deciding which employees with which fitness certifications to hire, or which organization to contract when outsourcing fitness training), will be made at installation-level on a one-year trial basis in order to eliminate any perception that the Department of Defense endorses any one fitness program or contracted organization. At the close of each fiscal year, employees and contracted organizations will be at the mercy of free market; any employee holding any particular mix of fitness certifications and any organization who can contract fitness training services is eligible for a one-year trial. Quality programs and quality certifications will rise to the top but will be forced to stay competitive. The military family stands to benefit the most from such a programming concept.
4. The total cost of the Military Family Fitness program to the US Government is approximately 2.4Million (estimating a median figure of 10k military/civilian family members per installation, the cost of funding two GS-11s per participating installation to be $150k/year, restricting Health Educators' total expenditure on trainers to under $50 per eligible client per year and restricting total new equipment costs to under $10,000 per fitness facility).
Overseas military communities have proven the community need for family-member-accessible fitness programs. Testimonials report improved mental health, radically changed outlooks, and reformed lifestyles. No other program or service with such so nominal a price tag could deliver as qualitatively comparable a measure of improvement on self-esteem, health, social support, and mental stability for the military family as a Family Fitness Program.
We sincerely appreciate your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Ginger Sladky and Renee Champagne
Testimonials
20 Sep 2009
I would like to write a letter on behalf of the volunteer fitness instructors at Ramstein South Fitness Center. I write as a stay-at-home mom, a fitness enthusiast, and also as an experienced fitness instructor. I have both a BS and MS in Exercise Science and I’ve worked with over 12 different Olympic Sports as a Sport Biomechanist at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. I have 15 years experience working in different gyms, community groups, and schools in a health and fitness capacity. I currently teach workshops for military-related individuals in Europe who wish to be certified as personal trainers.
I have been working out at Ramstein South for over two years and have participated in both the free and paid classes. My preference is to attend the free classes because, well, they’re free. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the volunteer instructors were as good as, if not better than, the paid instructors. One instructor, in particular, stands out. Tricia Groenheim’s free classes are unique in that they are not just riding a bike to the rhythm of the music, they are training sessions. Germany is cold, dark, windy, and rainy in the winter – all winter long – which makes for unsafe outdoor riding during a good portion of the year. Two winters ago I was training for a triathlon, and being a new arrival to Germany, did not realize how many rides would have to be indoors. Tricia’s class kept me in good enough shape to keep me on track throughout the winter. From an instructor and instructor-trainer perspective, Tricia’s teaching abilities far exceed those of other instructors I’ve seen. I have encouraged her to become an instructor-trainer herself so she can more effectively share her experience and knowledge with new instructors.
From a stay-at-home mom perspective, the free classes are taught at convenient times during the day and provide a social group that keeps me motivated to attend class. The sense of camaraderie keeps folks exercising who might not do so otherwise. Germany is so gray in the winter that it is more common here for people to get the winter “blues”. Exercise and a social group who is expecting to see you at an exercise class are two ways to keep individuals both physically and mentally healthy.
From a personal training perspective, many military wives wait until a month or two before their husbands return from deployment to get into shape. Having enough affordable, accessible, convenient exercise classes and even personal training sessions taught by credentialed instructors might encourage these same wives to exercise as a lifestyle instead of cramming it in, in anticipation of a husband’s return. Physical activity should be an lifestyle, not an event!
One area that is lacking in every military gym I’ve frequented to date is some form of child care while parents work out. A few gyms have a small, hot room with a treadmill or two and perhaps an elliptical machine with a small area where children can play while their parents exercise. While it is commendable that there is “something” for parents, if the military would like to truly promote physical activity as a part of a healthy lifestyle, it needs to provide parents with adequate facilities. Period. “Something” is better than “nothing”, but the military can do better for families.
I truly hope the military will take to heart the requests for adequate affordable exercise opportunities for military personnel and their families –kids, included. I also volunteer as the Donations Coordinator for the Wounded Warrior Ministry Center at the Landstuhl Hospital and I was very pleased to hear about the opportunity to work with these same service members in an exercise capacity. Hopefully, this program will begin soon and benefit those who need it most.
I look forward to hearing about the progress of this Family Fitness Proposal. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or request any clarification.
Sincerely,
L
3 August 2009
[To Whom it May Concern],
Throughout the past year I have been involved in a Fitness for Moms class. Because of the availability of this class I have been able to give myself the time to improve my own health and well –being. The format of the class allows me to bring my young son along. When I joined the class, I never could have imagined that this time would also become a teaching tool for me as a mother.
For one hour a day, three days a week, I have a chance to show my son the importance of exercise and how easy it is to live a healthy lifestyle. I hope that by engaging my son in these activities at such an early age, exercise will become a life long goal. By having this program available it gives my military family the opportunity to combine fitness and togetherness. In the meantime, without trying to rush him out of childhood, I will cherish this time we spend together.
Sincerely,
A
August 2, 2009
Dear Sir or Ma’am,
I would like to express my deep appreciation and enthusiastic support for the family fitness programs offered at Ramstein Air Base, specifically mother-and-child fitness classes, stroller-integrated fitness classes, and kids yoga. These programs have made a huge quality-of-life improvement in the lives of myself, my children, and my active-duty husband.
While most fitness programs in the military focus on the active duty member, or offer classes for those adults who can attend child-free, those programs are just not feasible for the mothers of young children without significant child-care costs and logistics. Many moms are isolated, depressed, and frustrated, knowing that they should “get in shape” but feeling most avenues are inaccessible. The mother-and-child classes, on the other hand, clear the way for moms who are eager to get in shape and live a healthier lifestyle!
It has been said that the mom is the “gatekeeper” for the nutritional health of her family—controlling the food that is purchased and brought into the house, preparing the meals, and teaching her children how to make (good or bad) food choices. When this mother is offered quality, accessible fitness programs it has a cascading effect on her entire family, not only in the area of physical fitness, but also nutrition and mental health. I have personally experienced the linkage of these areas – fitness, nutrition, and fighting depression – and the positive effects that these mother-child fitness programs can have on an entire family. I strongly believe this will positively affect my children and generations to come.
I strongly encourage your support in expanding these opportunities. It only makes sense that healthy moms modeling healthy habits to her entire family will save valuable health care costs in the future, and act as an important element in growing healthy families.
Sincerely,
C
Colonel, USAFR (Ret)
Stay-at-home mom of 5
4 Aug 2009
I am a stay at home mom to 2 girls who are 4 and 20 months. My husband is a logistics officer in the Air Force and we are stationed in Germany. My husband has been TDY or deployed over half of the time that we have lived in Germany, so finding time to work out has been difficult. When I found out about the mom and me fitness classes, it solved my problems. It is the only program I could find where I could bring my kids. There is a very small parent room at the gym, but between waiting on machines and trying to keep my kids from crying it was a waste of time. I had to stop attending the classes because of scheduling conflicts. I was very excited to hear that Renee was still doing the classes and was starting to offer more. These classes are very important to me. I feel that they give me time to focus on myself, while also indirectly teaching my kids the importance of fitness. Since my husband is gone so much, I like that they are with me in the classes. I am the only stability in their lives, so I don’t like the idea of dropping them off at a babysitter. Being with a group of other moms who know what military life is all about is also a plus. In January I will be starting an internship and will not be able to attend the classes anymore. This saddens me deeply. I want to continue the classes, but there are not enough resources to offer the classes at several different times. I have already started wondering if these classes will be available at our next base.
N
3 Aug 2009
I tried going to the gym by myself, but with a kid that's not as easy as it sounds. I was never able to get a good work-out, because my son would cry for attention.
When I heard about the fitness for moms, I was so excited. I wasn't alone. There were more woman struggeling with the same issues. It gave me a feeling of being understood.
During an one-hour class I'm able to have some time for myself. Get that work-out my body needs and all that without having to leave my child behind. While the moms get encouraged to work hard, the kids get the oppertunity to play with each other.
Another important factor is that while our children see us working out, they will get used to the fact that fysical activity is an important part of all our lives. That we need it to stay healthy. Parents are still the biggest roll models and I happy that we get the chance to show them a great life routine.
Kind regards,
E
3 Aug 2009
To whom it may concern,
I am fourteen years old. I was introduced to this program in the fall of 2007 when I was diagnosed with OSgood Schlatters disease in my knees. My bones grew too fast and my muscles could not keep up, making physical activities and impact sports painful for me. Still wanting to keep exercising, I started looking for a low impact activity that i could do without the pain. Yoga for children was perfect for me. It allowed me to stay fit and active while I was doing something new and something that I now enjoy. I continued in this program for two years until the end of this year, simply because my family was moving.
Also, I have participated in the core conditioning class in this program as well. The summer after I joined Yoga for children, my Osgood's had disipated so I decided to try out the core conditioning class. I loved this class because I was able to become stronger while I was having fun with my classmates and instructor. This class pushed me to work harder and excede my limits. I also continued in these class until we had to move this year.
All and all I beleive that the Yoga for children and fitness for moms and children are extremely significant because they open up many varieties of exercise for a wide range of people. They are great programs that allow people, such as myself, to do something different that you will love.
Sincerely,
R
3 Aug 2009
I just wanted to add an account of how family-geared fitness at Bamberg affected me:
Not only was knowing that you could take your small children in their carrying device to the gym (after having been told NO WAY after first PCSing there) refreshing, but knowing that other moms in the same boat would be there and therefore not be as "judgemental" about my state of fitness was such a relief. I am so glad that Ginger got that started!
However, a few "family friendly" additions were made that truly need to be tweeked. Every child comes to an age where they still fit, size-wise, in a stroller, but no longer WANT to stay in it for the duration of a workout. Bamberg added hourly care AT the gym to remedy this. Sound good right? It was a good IDEA, but was implemented poorly. The first problem was the hours of operation--Tuesday through Thursday, 8 am-11am. While the actual hours were not bad as this was when most classes started and enabled parents to drop off older children at school first, the DAYs of operation were poor--only 3 days a week! Two of those days were days that women's groups me at the chapel--another major support of emotional, spiritual, and mental strength during stressful times. So any woman--the primary users at that time of day--who wanted to begin an (at least) 3-day a week fitness regimen while having their child be cared for by professionals AT the gym, AND take advantage of chapel support groups could not. No one should have to chose between their physical and emotional/spiritual fitness.
The final straw in this programs user-UNfriendlyness was HOW to actually use it. CYS implemented the program to ensure that all caregivers were certified and trained properly and to also ensure that all children using the program were properly registered with them (and therefore properly vaccinated and otherwise healthy.) Yet, CYS Central Registration told its constituents that in order to use the program, they HAD to purchase a punch card at Central Registration and attend a class (even if they had already attended the hourly care introduction). The class was only offered a couple times a month and the punch cards could only be purchased in in $80 increments, with no guarantee of a refund if not all funds were used! Contrary to that, the actual providers at the gym told some people all they had to do was simply drop their child off there and use their "deployment punch card"--the card given monthy to spouses of deployed soldiers who are entitled to a certain number of hours of FREE and reduced-price child care. My husband has been deployed and those free hours via the punch card were wonderful and so needed, however, what the providers at the gym were doing was discriminatory to those of us, who at the time, had spouses who were not deployed. No one should be told NO to fitness because of their soldier's deployment status. In the end, each patron should have been given a card from central registration to show each time they dropped off the child that served as proof that the child(ren) were registered. Payment could either be taken there, or at Cent. Reg. but in smaller increments.
The bottom line here is that programs such as these really need to be regulated under one Army agency and be MUCH more user friendly. It is my feeling also that ALL Army bases worldwide should offer the SAME level of childcare/family friendliness. I realize that not all Army fitness facilities can house a space for hourly care, but surely something could be worked out with the Hourly care facility on each post, should this be the problem.
Whether or not FAMFIT uses my little story is fine by me, I just wanted to put it out there. Many thanks for all you are doing!
A
3 Aug 2009
[To whom it may concern]
I have known Ms. Renee for two years. I took her core conditioning class and yoga class to help train for the upcoming cross country and track seasons. Her classes have helped me in ways I never thought possible. Not only did it help prep me for the training to come but it also kept me fit and healthy during the off season. I would recommend these classes for anyone who wants to lead a healthy life. I hope that this letter helped.
Sincerely,
P
2 August 2009
To Whom It May Concern:
I've been taking Mommy and Me classes for almost a year. I started taking classes when my daughter was approximately 6 months old. It was around this time that my family and I moved to our new base here in Germany.
As a new mother, I find myself becoming more aware of the choices I make. I want to set a good example for my daughter. What better way than taking an exercise class that allows me to bring her and also finds ways to help incorporate her into the workout? As I began my search, I found the perfect class-Stroller Aerobics.
The class was probably one of my favourite things to do every week. I looked forward to it as did my daughter. I found myself losing weight and gaining a positive attitude. Being a military spouse can be stressful and having an outlet to talk to other moms in the same situation (raising children overseas, dealing with deployments, long work hours, etc) while exercising was exactly what I needed. Now that my daughter is older, we are taking a more basic Mommy and Me aerobics class that does not involve strollers but is even more fun. I am slowly starting to see her beginning to understand the importance of healthy choices. She chooses healthier foods and will even sometimes try to stretch with us at the end of class!
I love that I am able to not only bring my daughter to these classes, but also that I'm helping show her the positive effects of a healthy lifestyle. With so much childhood obesity in today's society, I'm concerned for her well being. Studies show that maintaining a healthy diet in collaboration with regular exercise helps children intellectually as well as physically. That being said, I think there should be more options for all children, infant and older, as well as mothers to exercise together. It's a great bonding experience and helps create healthier, happier families.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
Sincerely,
A
I would like to write a letter on behalf of the volunteer fitness instructors at Ramstein South Fitness Center. I write as a stay-at-home mom, a fitness enthusiast, and also as an experienced fitness instructor. I have both a BS and MS in Exercise Science and I’ve worked with over 12 different Olympic Sports as a Sport Biomechanist at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. I have 15 years experience working in different gyms, community groups, and schools in a health and fitness capacity. I currently teach workshops for military-related individuals in Europe who wish to be certified as personal trainers.
I have been working out at Ramstein South for over two years and have participated in both the free and paid classes. My preference is to attend the free classes because, well, they’re free. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the volunteer instructors were as good as, if not better than, the paid instructors. One instructor, in particular, stands out. Tricia Groenheim’s free classes are unique in that they are not just riding a bike to the rhythm of the music, they are training sessions. Germany is cold, dark, windy, and rainy in the winter – all winter long – which makes for unsafe outdoor riding during a good portion of the year. Two winters ago I was training for a triathlon, and being a new arrival to Germany, did not realize how many rides would have to be indoors. Tricia’s class kept me in good enough shape to keep me on track throughout the winter. From an instructor and instructor-trainer perspective, Tricia’s teaching abilities far exceed those of other instructors I’ve seen. I have encouraged her to become an instructor-trainer herself so she can more effectively share her experience and knowledge with new instructors.
From a stay-at-home mom perspective, the free classes are taught at convenient times during the day and provide a social group that keeps me motivated to attend class. The sense of camaraderie keeps folks exercising who might not do so otherwise. Germany is so gray in the winter that it is more common here for people to get the winter “blues”. Exercise and a social group who is expecting to see you at an exercise class are two ways to keep individuals both physically and mentally healthy.
From a personal training perspective, many military wives wait until a month or two before their husbands return from deployment to get into shape. Having enough affordable, accessible, convenient exercise classes and even personal training sessions taught by credentialed instructors might encourage these same wives to exercise as a lifestyle instead of cramming it in, in anticipation of a husband’s return. Physical activity should be an lifestyle, not an event!
One area that is lacking in every military gym I’ve frequented to date is some form of child care while parents work out. A few gyms have a small, hot room with a treadmill or two and perhaps an elliptical machine with a small area where children can play while their parents exercise. While it is commendable that there is “something” for parents, if the military would like to truly promote physical activity as a part of a healthy lifestyle, it needs to provide parents with adequate facilities. Period. “Something” is better than “nothing”, but the military can do better for families.
I truly hope the military will take to heart the requests for adequate affordable exercise opportunities for military personnel and their families –kids, included. I also volunteer as the Donations Coordinator for the Wounded Warrior Ministry Center at the Landstuhl Hospital and I was very pleased to hear about the opportunity to work with these same service members in an exercise capacity. Hopefully, this program will begin soon and benefit those who need it most.
I look forward to hearing about the progress of this Family Fitness Proposal. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or request any clarification.
Sincerely,
L
3 August 2009
[To Whom it May Concern],
Throughout the past year I have been involved in a Fitness for Moms class. Because of the availability of this class I have been able to give myself the time to improve my own health and well –being. The format of the class allows me to bring my young son along. When I joined the class, I never could have imagined that this time would also become a teaching tool for me as a mother.
For one hour a day, three days a week, I have a chance to show my son the importance of exercise and how easy it is to live a healthy lifestyle. I hope that by engaging my son in these activities at such an early age, exercise will become a life long goal. By having this program available it gives my military family the opportunity to combine fitness and togetherness. In the meantime, without trying to rush him out of childhood, I will cherish this time we spend together.
Sincerely,
A
August 2, 2009
Dear Sir or Ma’am,
I would like to express my deep appreciation and enthusiastic support for the family fitness programs offered at Ramstein Air Base, specifically mother-and-child fitness classes, stroller-integrated fitness classes, and kids yoga. These programs have made a huge quality-of-life improvement in the lives of myself, my children, and my active-duty husband.
While most fitness programs in the military focus on the active duty member, or offer classes for those adults who can attend child-free, those programs are just not feasible for the mothers of young children without significant child-care costs and logistics. Many moms are isolated, depressed, and frustrated, knowing that they should “get in shape” but feeling most avenues are inaccessible. The mother-and-child classes, on the other hand, clear the way for moms who are eager to get in shape and live a healthier lifestyle!
It has been said that the mom is the “gatekeeper” for the nutritional health of her family—controlling the food that is purchased and brought into the house, preparing the meals, and teaching her children how to make (good or bad) food choices. When this mother is offered quality, accessible fitness programs it has a cascading effect on her entire family, not only in the area of physical fitness, but also nutrition and mental health. I have personally experienced the linkage of these areas – fitness, nutrition, and fighting depression – and the positive effects that these mother-child fitness programs can have on an entire family. I strongly believe this will positively affect my children and generations to come.
I strongly encourage your support in expanding these opportunities. It only makes sense that healthy moms modeling healthy habits to her entire family will save valuable health care costs in the future, and act as an important element in growing healthy families.
Sincerely,
C
Colonel, USAFR (Ret)
Stay-at-home mom of 5
4 Aug 2009
I am a stay at home mom to 2 girls who are 4 and 20 months. My husband is a logistics officer in the Air Force and we are stationed in Germany. My husband has been TDY or deployed over half of the time that we have lived in Germany, so finding time to work out has been difficult. When I found out about the mom and me fitness classes, it solved my problems. It is the only program I could find where I could bring my kids. There is a very small parent room at the gym, but between waiting on machines and trying to keep my kids from crying it was a waste of time. I had to stop attending the classes because of scheduling conflicts. I was very excited to hear that Renee was still doing the classes and was starting to offer more. These classes are very important to me. I feel that they give me time to focus on myself, while also indirectly teaching my kids the importance of fitness. Since my husband is gone so much, I like that they are with me in the classes. I am the only stability in their lives, so I don’t like the idea of dropping them off at a babysitter. Being with a group of other moms who know what military life is all about is also a plus. In January I will be starting an internship and will not be able to attend the classes anymore. This saddens me deeply. I want to continue the classes, but there are not enough resources to offer the classes at several different times. I have already started wondering if these classes will be available at our next base.
N
3 Aug 2009
I tried going to the gym by myself, but with a kid that's not as easy as it sounds. I was never able to get a good work-out, because my son would cry for attention.
When I heard about the fitness for moms, I was so excited. I wasn't alone. There were more woman struggeling with the same issues. It gave me a feeling of being understood.
During an one-hour class I'm able to have some time for myself. Get that work-out my body needs and all that without having to leave my child behind. While the moms get encouraged to work hard, the kids get the oppertunity to play with each other.
Another important factor is that while our children see us working out, they will get used to the fact that fysical activity is an important part of all our lives. That we need it to stay healthy. Parents are still the biggest roll models and I happy that we get the chance to show them a great life routine.
Kind regards,
E
3 Aug 2009
To whom it may concern,
I am fourteen years old. I was introduced to this program in the fall of 2007 when I was diagnosed with OSgood Schlatters disease in my knees. My bones grew too fast and my muscles could not keep up, making physical activities and impact sports painful for me. Still wanting to keep exercising, I started looking for a low impact activity that i could do without the pain. Yoga for children was perfect for me. It allowed me to stay fit and active while I was doing something new and something that I now enjoy. I continued in this program for two years until the end of this year, simply because my family was moving.
Also, I have participated in the core conditioning class in this program as well. The summer after I joined Yoga for children, my Osgood's had disipated so I decided to try out the core conditioning class. I loved this class because I was able to become stronger while I was having fun with my classmates and instructor. This class pushed me to work harder and excede my limits. I also continued in these class until we had to move this year.
All and all I beleive that the Yoga for children and fitness for moms and children are extremely significant because they open up many varieties of exercise for a wide range of people. They are great programs that allow people, such as myself, to do something different that you will love.
Sincerely,
R
3 Aug 2009
I just wanted to add an account of how family-geared fitness at Bamberg affected me:
Not only was knowing that you could take your small children in their carrying device to the gym (after having been told NO WAY after first PCSing there) refreshing, but knowing that other moms in the same boat would be there and therefore not be as "judgemental" about my state of fitness was such a relief. I am so glad that Ginger got that started!
However, a few "family friendly" additions were made that truly need to be tweeked. Every child comes to an age where they still fit, size-wise, in a stroller, but no longer WANT to stay in it for the duration of a workout. Bamberg added hourly care AT the gym to remedy this. Sound good right? It was a good IDEA, but was implemented poorly. The first problem was the hours of operation--Tuesday through Thursday, 8 am-11am. While the actual hours were not bad as this was when most classes started and enabled parents to drop off older children at school first, the DAYs of operation were poor--only 3 days a week! Two of those days were days that women's groups me at the chapel--another major support of emotional, spiritual, and mental strength during stressful times. So any woman--the primary users at that time of day--who wanted to begin an (at least) 3-day a week fitness regimen while having their child be cared for by professionals AT the gym, AND take advantage of chapel support groups could not. No one should have to chose between their physical and emotional/spiritual fitness.
The final straw in this programs user-UNfriendlyness was HOW to actually use it. CYS implemented the program to ensure that all caregivers were certified and trained properly and to also ensure that all children using the program were properly registered with them (and therefore properly vaccinated and otherwise healthy.) Yet, CYS Central Registration told its constituents that in order to use the program, they HAD to purchase a punch card at Central Registration and attend a class (even if they had already attended the hourly care introduction). The class was only offered a couple times a month and the punch cards could only be purchased in in $80 increments, with no guarantee of a refund if not all funds were used! Contrary to that, the actual providers at the gym told some people all they had to do was simply drop their child off there and use their "deployment punch card"--the card given monthy to spouses of deployed soldiers who are entitled to a certain number of hours of FREE and reduced-price child care. My husband has been deployed and those free hours via the punch card were wonderful and so needed, however, what the providers at the gym were doing was discriminatory to those of us, who at the time, had spouses who were not deployed. No one should be told NO to fitness because of their soldier's deployment status. In the end, each patron should have been given a card from central registration to show each time they dropped off the child that served as proof that the child(ren) were registered. Payment could either be taken there, or at Cent. Reg. but in smaller increments.
The bottom line here is that programs such as these really need to be regulated under one Army agency and be MUCH more user friendly. It is my feeling also that ALL Army bases worldwide should offer the SAME level of childcare/family friendliness. I realize that not all Army fitness facilities can house a space for hourly care, but surely something could be worked out with the Hourly care facility on each post, should this be the problem.
Whether or not FAMFIT uses my little story is fine by me, I just wanted to put it out there. Many thanks for all you are doing!
A
3 Aug 2009
[To whom it may concern]
I have known Ms. Renee for two years. I took her core conditioning class and yoga class to help train for the upcoming cross country and track seasons. Her classes have helped me in ways I never thought possible. Not only did it help prep me for the training to come but it also kept me fit and healthy during the off season. I would recommend these classes for anyone who wants to lead a healthy life. I hope that this letter helped.
Sincerely,
P
2 August 2009
To Whom It May Concern:
I've been taking Mommy and Me classes for almost a year. I started taking classes when my daughter was approximately 6 months old. It was around this time that my family and I moved to our new base here in Germany.
As a new mother, I find myself becoming more aware of the choices I make. I want to set a good example for my daughter. What better way than taking an exercise class that allows me to bring her and also finds ways to help incorporate her into the workout? As I began my search, I found the perfect class-Stroller Aerobics.
The class was probably one of my favourite things to do every week. I looked forward to it as did my daughter. I found myself losing weight and gaining a positive attitude. Being a military spouse can be stressful and having an outlet to talk to other moms in the same situation (raising children overseas, dealing with deployments, long work hours, etc) while exercising was exactly what I needed. Now that my daughter is older, we are taking a more basic Mommy and Me aerobics class that does not involve strollers but is even more fun. I am slowly starting to see her beginning to understand the importance of healthy choices. She chooses healthier foods and will even sometimes try to stretch with us at the end of class!
I love that I am able to not only bring my daughter to these classes, but also that I'm helping show her the positive effects of a healthy lifestyle. With so much childhood obesity in today's society, I'm concerned for her well being. Studies show that maintaining a healthy diet in collaboration with regular exercise helps children intellectually as well as physically. That being said, I think there should be more options for all children, infant and older, as well as mothers to exercise together. It's a great bonding experience and helps create healthier, happier families.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
Sincerely,
A
Enclosure III Hypothetical Chain of Responsibility for Health Educators
The following illustration* shows how an installation's family fitness program can be structured: fitness instructors can have any combination of a wide range of qualifications available (see "Certification Pool" examples below) depending on the mindset of the Adult and Child Educators and the interest of the installation's population. All fitness instructors will be certified, have age-specific experience or experience coaching wounded warriors/athletes with disabilities, and/or have adequate academic credentials to teach clients in their assigned areas of responsibility.
The only currently existing position is the top Health Educator** position.
___________________________
*I used input from FamFit co-sponsors Tricia Groenheim & Renee Champagne in designing this hypothetical model, in order to better clarify supervisory responsibilities of Health Educators
**Resultant updates required on current Health Educator position (PD#: HU278970) include its name, to "Chief, Health Educator", and to paragraph 4: "Supervises a Child/Adolescent Health Educator, an Adult Health Educator, and a Health Technician."
The only currently existing position is the top Health Educator** position.
___________________________
*I used input from FamFit co-sponsors Tricia Groenheim & Renee Champagne in designing this hypothetical model, in order to better clarify supervisory responsibilities of Health Educators
**Resultant updates required on current Health Educator position (PD#: HU278970) include its name, to "Chief, Health Educator", and to paragraph 4: "Supervises a Child/Adolescent Health Educator, an Adult Health Educator, and a Health Technician."
Enclosure II Position Description: Adult Health Educator
Position Description
PD#:
Replaces PD#:
Sequence#: VARIES
ADULT HEALTH EDUCATOR
YA-1701-02
Servicing CPAC: KAISERSLAUTERN, GRAFENWOEHR, HEIDELBERG AREA, FRANCONIA AREA, STUTTGART AREA GERMANY, VICENZA ITALY, BENELUX BELGIUM
Agency: VARIES
Army Command: VARIES
Command Code: VARIES
Region: EUROPE
Citation 1: DOD CIVILIAN PERSONNEL MANUAL 1400.25-M, SUBCHAPTER 1920
PD Library PD: NO
COREDOC PD: NO
Classified By: MANAGER WITH DCA
Classified Date: 04/03/2008
FLSA: EXEMPT
Drug Test Required: VARIES
DCIPS PD: NO
Career Program: 00
Financial Disclosure Required: NO
Acquisition Position: NO
Functional Code: 00
Requires Access to Firearms: VARIES
Interdisciplinary: NO
Competitive Area: VARIES
Position Sensitivity: VARIES
Security Access: VARIES
Competitive Level: VARIES
Target Grade/FPL:
Career Ladder PD: NO
Emergency Essential: [ ]
Bus Code: VARIES
Personnel Reliability Position: VARIES
Information Assurance:
Influenza Vaccination: NO
PD Status: VERIFIED
Duties:
INTRODUCTION
This position is located in the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness, United States Army Center for Health Promotion and Wellness Europe (USACHPPM-EUR), Landstuhl, Germany, and various positions in USAREUR. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating and planning, organizing and implementing comprehensive physical fitness and wellness programs for spouses and other adult dependents of military active duty members, reservists, and retirees based on health initiatives to enhance Military Family lifestyles. The elements of the physical fitness and wellness programs are governed by AR 600-63, Army Health Promotion, May 2007, and complement the physical fitness requirements of DoD Directive 1308.1 DoD Physical Fitness, including, but not limited to: muscular strength and endurance, aerobic and anaerobic stamina and endurance, mobility (agility, balance, coordination, flexibility, accuracy, power, speed, and stability), injury prevention, body composition, nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle. The incumbent plans, implements, and evaluates group and individualized physical fitness programs, maintains accurate, complete, current and confidential records where required, and serves as a resource and consultant for hospital staff and outlying clinic personnel. The incumbent provides a variety of training programs, facilitates specialized health promotion demonstration projects, and conducts consultations to a wide range of customers.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The incumbent provides leadership, continual assessment, planning, implementation, and successful program maintenance for Military Family (Adult) Fitness and Wellness in direct support of The Health Promotion Program in their respective Area Support Group (ASG) supporting the Base Support Battalions (BSB), and/or Medical Treatment Facility. The incumbent provides direct supervision of all Fitness Trainers, interns, fellowships and volunteers employed or assigned to the Military Family (Adult) Wellness branch of The Health Promotion Program. The objectives of this program are to enhance the quality of life for all spouses and other adult dependents of military active duty members, reservists, and retirees, and to encourage lifestyles which improve and protect physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. The incumbent receives instructions, assignments, and objectives from the Chief, Health Educator (PD#: HU278970) who is responsible for coordinating and integrating all health promotion activities, monitoring program progress and advising the ASG/BSB/MTF Commanders on health issues on behalf of the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness, USACHPPM-EUR. The incumbent ensures objectives and health promotion priorities for the USACHPPM-EUR Army Health Promotion Program are met and program documents are coordinated for an integrated and standardized effort in USAREUR.
Uses existing hospital and population databases to assess health status and trends of adult members of military families. Designs, coordinates and implements a military family-centered fitness program and health promotion program designed to support physical wellness development of spouses and other adult dependents of military families based on trends identified through database analysis. Focus on gradual strengthening of functional (mechanically sound, safe) movement interspersed with scaled but progressive addition of high intensity effort to solicit pronounced improvement. Within 20 working days of assignment, the incumbent will research and submit a detailed report reviewing program efficiency and cost effectiveness of available fitness provider channels, and will give their consequential recommendation whether to outsource fitness program management via contract with external civilian agency, or to individually contract (NAF) and hire certified fitness trainers (i.e. in CrossFit, HealthyMoms®).
Utilizes AR600-63 as the principle source of guidance for Physical Health Promotion Programs. Targets all adult dependents of military families, with particular emphasis on members in whom specific risks or disparities in participation in, access to, or knowledge about the benefits of physical activity have been identified. The incumbent formulates ability groups with sensitivity toward social support requirements (ie: beginner, intermediate, advanced, prenatal, new-mother, retiree). Structures fitness programs to insure constantly varying program content within each skill class in order to minimize boredom and repetitiveness of movement and increase enjoyment of skill development. Program offerings must cover a broad spectrum of creative, functional, and social fitness activities designed to cultivate a social environment which specifically emphasizes fitness. Program specialization includes Exercise/Sports Science, and adult/group sports training. Changing needs as adults fitness assessments improve or stagnate, and achieving proper integration of more effective programs for fitness will necessitate constant evolution of scheduled and forecasted program activities. Ensures that fitness program activities stimulate community-wide interest and promote high adherence rates among adult dependents of military families.
2. Participates in Process Improvement. Conducts quarterly informal fitness impact assessments, using a standardized assessment provided by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, in order to gauge effectiveness of programs and measure improvements in health behavior. The incumbent is responsible for administering quarterly fitness progress assessments on adult clients, and for formal submission of assessments up to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports prior to fiscal year close.
Maintains records for all physical fitness training offerings. Ensures that program activities emphasize those activities most appropriate to the interest and insure continual improvements in fitness among the military community. Provides guidance and leadership to the various activities and participants: modifying, adapting, expanding, or otherwise changing plans and procedures of specific programs and activities as installation mission requires. Prepares after-action reports to evaluate effectiveness of various programs offered; instructs classes as needed; and assists in preparing various monthly and annual progress reports that are forwarded to Installation Commanders and Program Directors. Responsible for accurate workload accounting of employees through automated data systems. Uses various computer software programs to manage outcomes, prepare course material, and track program progress.
3. The incumbent will attend Health Promotion Councils organized by the Health Promotion Coordinator in cooperation with the Installation Commander and/or MTF Commander that determine outcome objectives for health promotion and community health programs which will enable comparison with Healthy People 2010 and various other national public health outcome objectives. He/She will also: Identify existing physical fitness programs; Identify and assess other existing resources; Assess community needs; Develop a comprehensive and aggressive marketing plan of the military family physical fitness program for adults in the ASG/BSB/MTF based on existing resources and needs; Use a team approach and actively encourage existing support organizations, such as ACS, CHNs, Counseling Centers, Chaplains, etc., to work together in the decision making process and in service provision (assist when needed with Relay events, Sports elimination tournaments, Fitness Fun, Running/Biking/Swimming Competitions, etc). Plan Physical Fitness and Health Promotion programs for adults based on the outcome objectives; Provide standardized Physical Fitness and Health Promotion training for adults; Develop and disseminate information (ie: emphasize personal and social implications of obesity and the health implications of an unfit lifestyle); Support clinical preventive services at the MTF; Provide expertise and input for ASG/BSB/MTF policy; Coordinate with professionals from the area, tactical units, medical treatment facilities and resource personnel in the military and civilian community.
4. The incumbent provides health education to patients and families on injury prevention, body composition, nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle through multiple avenues such as seminars, workshops, short courses, informational briefings for the Command, and visits to military and civilian dignitaries and officials concerned with health promotion activities, ensuring the program objectives for the ASG and/or MTF are met. Obtains, selects, adapts, and implements the instructional methods, materials, and techniques that will be most effective in health and fitness instruction and behavior modification.
5. Supervises Certified Fitness Instructors or civilian agency contractors hired in support of adult clients of the Military Family Fitness Program. Responsible for assigning work, providing technical oversight, developing performance plans, and rating the employees. Interviews candidates, recommends hiring/promotion, and takes disciplinary measures. Identifies developmental and training needs of employees & provides/arranges for development/training.
6. Keeps current with new information by participating in professional meetings, continuing education courses related to certification, and reading current professional journals and literature. Develops and maintains liaison with national groups and governmental agencies in the public, and private sector.
Perform other duties as assigned.
FACTOR 1. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Knowledge of the Army mission, organization and programs CONUS and OCONUS. Knowledge of community resources such as ACS, Social Work, etc. Knowledge of design and conduct of Health Promotion Programs. Familiarity with military regulations, medical institutions, and health promotion/preventive medicine principles. Familiarity and/or experience in gathering and analyzing data. This knowledge requires a combination of formal education, specialized training, and work experience in the area of health promotion. Must obtain national certification in health and fitness or personal training within 12 months of employment. Must maintain Basic Life Support certification. Ability to teach and counsel groups, families and individuals. Skill to interact with military commanders, civilian and military groups and school officials, in coordinating military family education activities. Knowledge of computers and supporting software (including Microsoft Office and CHCS) in order to plan and implement program tracking and evaluation; demonstrates knowledge of automated data processing and its applications. General knowledge of organization, management and administration; specialized experience in planning and implementing programs directly related to health programs; experience working with a military population to make recommendations concerning the technical design of program components and to assure an integrated line and staff approach with continued upgrading of health promotion programs and activities. Skills in written and verbal communication to convey information to professional staff, ancillary staff, commanders, and senior leaders with wide varieties of backgrounds.
FACTOR 2. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Chief, Health Educator (PD#: HU278970) provides administrative direction and technical oversight and assessment of the incumbent's established program objectives and assigned program duties for the ASG and/or MTF. The incumbent works as special staff to the ASG/BSB/MTF Commanders and these objectives are set with the Health Promotion program goals in mind. The incumbent is responsible for planning, carrying out the projects, resolving most of the conflicts that arise, integrating and coordinating the work of others as necessary; and interpreting policy on his/her own initiative in terms of established objectives. Completed work is reviewed from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, fulfilment of broad program objectives and goals, and effectiveness in meeting requirements or expected results. The incumbent is recognized as an authority in health promotion. Results of work are considered to be professionally authoritative, and are normally accepted without significant change. If the work should be reviewed, the review concerns such matters as fulfillment of program objectives, effect of advice and influence on the overall program, or the contribution to the advancement of health promotion.
FACTOR 3. GUIDELINES
Broad and general policy statements for health promotion are provided in Army regulations, such as AR 600-63, USAREUR health promotion policies, USACHPPM policies, and professional publications. As a recognized authority in health promotion, the incumbent uses judgment in locating and selecting the appropriate references and procedures for application to specific cases to their ASG/BSB, and/or MTF and makes adaptations in dealing with problems.
FACTOR 4. COMPLEXITY
The work involves administration of physical fitness programs involving all military family and community-based programs. The incumbent must not only evaluate new approaches and techniques, but also must take into account potential effects on individual military members, families, workplaces, and command readiness. Decisions regarding design, coordination and monitoring of family fitness programs requires considerable planning, with varying degrees of sophistication in methodology. The work covers a range of education skills ranging from needs assessment through program development and teaching. Programs and teaching incorporate critical research findings and current technological advances in medicine, nursing and the healthcare system as a whole. The incumbent considers such factors as time deadlines, availability of resources, equipment and facilities, adherence to research protocol, adherence to contracts, current research literature regarding effective lifestyle modification programs, and available resources in the ASG/BSB/MTF. Duties often require creativity, method refinement and problem solving/troubleshooting, as well as drawing from past experiences.
FACTOR 5- SCOPE AND EFFECT
The work is vital to achievement of military readiness, recognized, to be of the highest priority by the Army Surgeon General, top military leaders, and Congress. The purpose of this work is to plan for and implement health promotion and education guidance using established criteria designed by CHPPM-EUR Department of Health Promotion and Wellness. The programs at the ASG/BSB/MTF are tailored to meet the specific needs of the area and CHPPM-EUR Headquarters staff will work in close cooperation and partnership with the USAREUR Health Promotion Staff Officer to provide this established criteria. This includes evaluating a variety of problems and conditions in the ASG/BSB and/or MTF, as well as within individual groups, and providing information on effective ways to resolve them. This work preserves and enhances the physical, emotional, and social health and well-being of all adult military family members who elect to participate in the prevention programs. It also affects the community as a whole, by providing an important resource in support of AR600-63, the Army Health Promotion Program. Recruit the soldier, retain the family!
FACTOR 6. PERSONAL CONTACTS
Personal contacts are generally with, but not limited to, Chief, Health Educator, USACHPPM-EUR Chief, Department of Health Promotion and Wellness, ASG/BSB/MTF Commanders, subject matter experts, health promotion council members IAW in AR 600-63, contact officials in higher headquarters and USAREUR, and any members of the Army staff and students in health related fields.
FACTOR 7. PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Contacts generally are made for the purpose of planning, coordinating, partnering, or providing professional expertise on a wide range of military family fitness issues, and for facilitating installation compliance with and support for effective health promotion programs. Contacts require considerable skill and tact in motivating, influencing, and persuading individuals and groups to accept changes in methods, practices, programs, or to adopt new approaches to fitness training and assessments. Contacts frequently require active participation by the incumbent, in a key role on behalf of Army/Air Force senior-level health promotion, in conferences, meetings, and briefings on problems or issues of considerable consequence or importance to those military family fitness goals or programs identified as high priority for the ASG/BSB/MTFs.
FACTOR 8 PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work may involve standing or stooping for long periods of time (during classroom instruction), but also lifting and/or carrying weights as an active participant (evaluating) or instructor (demonstrating) of a demanding physical fitness program, ascending/descending stairs, and carrying and transporting items up to 40 lbs between program delivery sites driving a military or personal vehicle.
FACTOR 9. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is often performed in an office environment, usually at a desk, but also conference rooms and classrooms, and will involve a computer workstation with a CRT. The work covers each BSB within the ASG and each outlying clinic in the area of responsibility of the respective MTF. Local travel is required, but not to exceed 25 percent of the work period. Occasionally, work may be performed in the various spaces of the health facility. There may be limited work in operational settings or industrial areas where there is a potential exposure to dangers from thermal stress, electrical shock, moving parts, and/or machinery, high noise levels, dust and grease, toxic and irritant chemicals, and ionizing/non-ionizing radiation.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR US CITIZEN OCCUPANTS ONLY:
1. Position may be designated Emergency Essential (E-E) in support of mobilization and wartime mission. If designated E-E, employee will be required to remain in the overseas position in the event of hostilities or mobilization until relieved by proper authority. E-E employees are required to undergo nuclear-biological and chemical training and to participate in readiness tests, mobilization, alerts, and field training exercises. Employee must pass a medical examination and receive required immunizations for the overseas/deployed location. Prior to appointment to the position, employee will sign a statement agreeing to the E-E condition of employment.
2. Position may require that employee pass screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and subsequent periodic drug screening thereafter.
3. Duties of this position may require the employee to obtain and maintain the designated security clearance. If a top secret clearance is required, employee must pass screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and subsequent periodic drug screening thereafter.
This position is classified in accordance with DoD Civilian Personnel Manual 1400.25-M, Subchapter 1920. This position is equivalent to GS grade 11
Evaluation:
CLC: 0000
PD#:
Replaces PD#:
Sequence#: VARIES
ADULT HEALTH EDUCATOR
YA-1701-02
Servicing CPAC: KAISERSLAUTERN, GRAFENWOEHR, HEIDELBERG AREA, FRANCONIA AREA, STUTTGART AREA GERMANY, VICENZA ITALY, BENELUX BELGIUM
Agency: VARIES
Army Command: VARIES
Command Code: VARIES
Region: EUROPE
Citation 1: DOD CIVILIAN PERSONNEL MANUAL 1400.25-M, SUBCHAPTER 1920
PD Library PD: NO
COREDOC PD: NO
Classified By: MANAGER WITH DCA
Classified Date: 04/03/2008
FLSA: EXEMPT
Drug Test Required: VARIES
DCIPS PD: NO
Career Program: 00
Financial Disclosure Required: NO
Acquisition Position: NO
Functional Code: 00
Requires Access to Firearms: VARIES
Interdisciplinary: NO
Competitive Area: VARIES
Position Sensitivity: VARIES
Security Access: VARIES
Competitive Level: VARIES
Target Grade/FPL:
Career Ladder PD: NO
Emergency Essential: [ ]
Bus Code: VARIES
Personnel Reliability Position: VARIES
Information Assurance:
Influenza Vaccination: NO
PD Status: VERIFIED
Duties:
INTRODUCTION
This position is located in the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness, United States Army Center for Health Promotion and Wellness Europe (USACHPPM-EUR), Landstuhl, Germany, and various positions in USAREUR. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating and planning, organizing and implementing comprehensive physical fitness and wellness programs for spouses and other adult dependents of military active duty members, reservists, and retirees based on health initiatives to enhance Military Family lifestyles. The elements of the physical fitness and wellness programs are governed by AR 600-63, Army Health Promotion, May 2007, and complement the physical fitness requirements of DoD Directive 1308.1 DoD Physical Fitness, including, but not limited to: muscular strength and endurance, aerobic and anaerobic stamina and endurance, mobility (agility, balance, coordination, flexibility, accuracy, power, speed, and stability), injury prevention, body composition, nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle. The incumbent plans, implements, and evaluates group and individualized physical fitness programs, maintains accurate, complete, current and confidential records where required, and serves as a resource and consultant for hospital staff and outlying clinic personnel. The incumbent provides a variety of training programs, facilitates specialized health promotion demonstration projects, and conducts consultations to a wide range of customers.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The incumbent provides leadership, continual assessment, planning, implementation, and successful program maintenance for Military Family (Adult) Fitness and Wellness in direct support of The Health Promotion Program in their respective Area Support Group (ASG) supporting the Base Support Battalions (BSB), and/or Medical Treatment Facility. The incumbent provides direct supervision of all Fitness Trainers, interns, fellowships and volunteers employed or assigned to the Military Family (Adult) Wellness branch of The Health Promotion Program. The objectives of this program are to enhance the quality of life for all spouses and other adult dependents of military active duty members, reservists, and retirees, and to encourage lifestyles which improve and protect physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. The incumbent receives instructions, assignments, and objectives from the Chief, Health Educator (PD#: HU278970) who is responsible for coordinating and integrating all health promotion activities, monitoring program progress and advising the ASG/BSB/MTF Commanders on health issues on behalf of the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness, USACHPPM-EUR. The incumbent ensures objectives and health promotion priorities for the USACHPPM-EUR Army Health Promotion Program are met and program documents are coordinated for an integrated and standardized effort in USAREUR.
Uses existing hospital and population databases to assess health status and trends of adult members of military families. Designs, coordinates and implements a military family-centered fitness program and health promotion program designed to support physical wellness development of spouses and other adult dependents of military families based on trends identified through database analysis. Focus on gradual strengthening of functional (mechanically sound, safe) movement interspersed with scaled but progressive addition of high intensity effort to solicit pronounced improvement. Within 20 working days of assignment, the incumbent will research and submit a detailed report reviewing program efficiency and cost effectiveness of available fitness provider channels, and will give their consequential recommendation whether to outsource fitness program management via contract with external civilian agency, or to individually contract (NAF) and hire certified fitness trainers (i.e. in CrossFit, HealthyMoms®).
Utilizes AR600-63 as the principle source of guidance for Physical Health Promotion Programs. Targets all adult dependents of military families, with particular emphasis on members in whom specific risks or disparities in participation in, access to, or knowledge about the benefits of physical activity have been identified. The incumbent formulates ability groups with sensitivity toward social support requirements (ie: beginner, intermediate, advanced, prenatal, new-mother, retiree). Structures fitness programs to insure constantly varying program content within each skill class in order to minimize boredom and repetitiveness of movement and increase enjoyment of skill development. Program offerings must cover a broad spectrum of creative, functional, and social fitness activities designed to cultivate a social environment which specifically emphasizes fitness. Program specialization includes Exercise/Sports Science, and adult/group sports training. Changing needs as adults fitness assessments improve or stagnate, and achieving proper integration of more effective programs for fitness will necessitate constant evolution of scheduled and forecasted program activities. Ensures that fitness program activities stimulate community-wide interest and promote high adherence rates among adult dependents of military families.
2. Participates in Process Improvement. Conducts quarterly informal fitness impact assessments, using a standardized assessment provided by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, in order to gauge effectiveness of programs and measure improvements in health behavior. The incumbent is responsible for administering quarterly fitness progress assessments on adult clients, and for formal submission of assessments up to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports prior to fiscal year close.
Maintains records for all physical fitness training offerings. Ensures that program activities emphasize those activities most appropriate to the interest and insure continual improvements in fitness among the military community. Provides guidance and leadership to the various activities and participants: modifying, adapting, expanding, or otherwise changing plans and procedures of specific programs and activities as installation mission requires. Prepares after-action reports to evaluate effectiveness of various programs offered; instructs classes as needed; and assists in preparing various monthly and annual progress reports that are forwarded to Installation Commanders and Program Directors. Responsible for accurate workload accounting of employees through automated data systems. Uses various computer software programs to manage outcomes, prepare course material, and track program progress.
3. The incumbent will attend Health Promotion Councils organized by the Health Promotion Coordinator in cooperation with the Installation Commander and/or MTF Commander that determine outcome objectives for health promotion and community health programs which will enable comparison with Healthy People 2010 and various other national public health outcome objectives. He/She will also: Identify existing physical fitness programs; Identify and assess other existing resources; Assess community needs; Develop a comprehensive and aggressive marketing plan of the military family physical fitness program for adults in the ASG/BSB/MTF based on existing resources and needs; Use a team approach and actively encourage existing support organizations, such as ACS, CHNs, Counseling Centers, Chaplains, etc., to work together in the decision making process and in service provision (assist when needed with Relay events, Sports elimination tournaments, Fitness Fun, Running/Biking/Swimming Competitions, etc). Plan Physical Fitness and Health Promotion programs for adults based on the outcome objectives; Provide standardized Physical Fitness and Health Promotion training for adults; Develop and disseminate information (ie: emphasize personal and social implications of obesity and the health implications of an unfit lifestyle); Support clinical preventive services at the MTF; Provide expertise and input for ASG/BSB/MTF policy; Coordinate with professionals from the area, tactical units, medical treatment facilities and resource personnel in the military and civilian community.
4. The incumbent provides health education to patients and families on injury prevention, body composition, nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle through multiple avenues such as seminars, workshops, short courses, informational briefings for the Command, and visits to military and civilian dignitaries and officials concerned with health promotion activities, ensuring the program objectives for the ASG and/or MTF are met. Obtains, selects, adapts, and implements the instructional methods, materials, and techniques that will be most effective in health and fitness instruction and behavior modification.
5. Supervises Certified Fitness Instructors or civilian agency contractors hired in support of adult clients of the Military Family Fitness Program. Responsible for assigning work, providing technical oversight, developing performance plans, and rating the employees. Interviews candidates, recommends hiring/promotion, and takes disciplinary measures. Identifies developmental and training needs of employees & provides/arranges for development/training.
6. Keeps current with new information by participating in professional meetings, continuing education courses related to certification, and reading current professional journals and literature. Develops and maintains liaison with national groups and governmental agencies in the public, and private sector.
Perform other duties as assigned.
FACTOR 1. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Knowledge of the Army mission, organization and programs CONUS and OCONUS. Knowledge of community resources such as ACS, Social Work, etc. Knowledge of design and conduct of Health Promotion Programs. Familiarity with military regulations, medical institutions, and health promotion/preventive medicine principles. Familiarity and/or experience in gathering and analyzing data. This knowledge requires a combination of formal education, specialized training, and work experience in the area of health promotion. Must obtain national certification in health and fitness or personal training within 12 months of employment. Must maintain Basic Life Support certification. Ability to teach and counsel groups, families and individuals. Skill to interact with military commanders, civilian and military groups and school officials, in coordinating military family education activities. Knowledge of computers and supporting software (including Microsoft Office and CHCS) in order to plan and implement program tracking and evaluation; demonstrates knowledge of automated data processing and its applications. General knowledge of organization, management and administration; specialized experience in planning and implementing programs directly related to health programs; experience working with a military population to make recommendations concerning the technical design of program components and to assure an integrated line and staff approach with continued upgrading of health promotion programs and activities. Skills in written and verbal communication to convey information to professional staff, ancillary staff, commanders, and senior leaders with wide varieties of backgrounds.
FACTOR 2. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Chief, Health Educator (PD#: HU278970) provides administrative direction and technical oversight and assessment of the incumbent's established program objectives and assigned program duties for the ASG and/or MTF. The incumbent works as special staff to the ASG/BSB/MTF Commanders and these objectives are set with the Health Promotion program goals in mind. The incumbent is responsible for planning, carrying out the projects, resolving most of the conflicts that arise, integrating and coordinating the work of others as necessary; and interpreting policy on his/her own initiative in terms of established objectives. Completed work is reviewed from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, fulfilment of broad program objectives and goals, and effectiveness in meeting requirements or expected results. The incumbent is recognized as an authority in health promotion. Results of work are considered to be professionally authoritative, and are normally accepted without significant change. If the work should be reviewed, the review concerns such matters as fulfillment of program objectives, effect of advice and influence on the overall program, or the contribution to the advancement of health promotion.
FACTOR 3. GUIDELINES
Broad and general policy statements for health promotion are provided in Army regulations, such as AR 600-63, USAREUR health promotion policies, USACHPPM policies, and professional publications. As a recognized authority in health promotion, the incumbent uses judgment in locating and selecting the appropriate references and procedures for application to specific cases to their ASG/BSB, and/or MTF and makes adaptations in dealing with problems.
FACTOR 4. COMPLEXITY
The work involves administration of physical fitness programs involving all military family and community-based programs. The incumbent must not only evaluate new approaches and techniques, but also must take into account potential effects on individual military members, families, workplaces, and command readiness. Decisions regarding design, coordination and monitoring of family fitness programs requires considerable planning, with varying degrees of sophistication in methodology. The work covers a range of education skills ranging from needs assessment through program development and teaching. Programs and teaching incorporate critical research findings and current technological advances in medicine, nursing and the healthcare system as a whole. The incumbent considers such factors as time deadlines, availability of resources, equipment and facilities, adherence to research protocol, adherence to contracts, current research literature regarding effective lifestyle modification programs, and available resources in the ASG/BSB/MTF. Duties often require creativity, method refinement and problem solving/troubleshooting, as well as drawing from past experiences.
FACTOR 5- SCOPE AND EFFECT
The work is vital to achievement of military readiness, recognized, to be of the highest priority by the Army Surgeon General, top military leaders, and Congress. The purpose of this work is to plan for and implement health promotion and education guidance using established criteria designed by CHPPM-EUR Department of Health Promotion and Wellness. The programs at the ASG/BSB/MTF are tailored to meet the specific needs of the area and CHPPM-EUR Headquarters staff will work in close cooperation and partnership with the USAREUR Health Promotion Staff Officer to provide this established criteria. This includes evaluating a variety of problems and conditions in the ASG/BSB and/or MTF, as well as within individual groups, and providing information on effective ways to resolve them. This work preserves and enhances the physical, emotional, and social health and well-being of all adult military family members who elect to participate in the prevention programs. It also affects the community as a whole, by providing an important resource in support of AR600-63, the Army Health Promotion Program. Recruit the soldier, retain the family!
FACTOR 6. PERSONAL CONTACTS
Personal contacts are generally with, but not limited to, Chief, Health Educator, USACHPPM-EUR Chief, Department of Health Promotion and Wellness, ASG/BSB/MTF Commanders, subject matter experts, health promotion council members IAW in AR 600-63, contact officials in higher headquarters and USAREUR, and any members of the Army staff and students in health related fields.
FACTOR 7. PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Contacts generally are made for the purpose of planning, coordinating, partnering, or providing professional expertise on a wide range of military family fitness issues, and for facilitating installation compliance with and support for effective health promotion programs. Contacts require considerable skill and tact in motivating, influencing, and persuading individuals and groups to accept changes in methods, practices, programs, or to adopt new approaches to fitness training and assessments. Contacts frequently require active participation by the incumbent, in a key role on behalf of Army/Air Force senior-level health promotion, in conferences, meetings, and briefings on problems or issues of considerable consequence or importance to those military family fitness goals or programs identified as high priority for the ASG/BSB/MTFs.
FACTOR 8 PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work may involve standing or stooping for long periods of time (during classroom instruction), but also lifting and/or carrying weights as an active participant (evaluating) or instructor (demonstrating) of a demanding physical fitness program, ascending/descending stairs, and carrying and transporting items up to 40 lbs between program delivery sites driving a military or personal vehicle.
FACTOR 9. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is often performed in an office environment, usually at a desk, but also conference rooms and classrooms, and will involve a computer workstation with a CRT. The work covers each BSB within the ASG and each outlying clinic in the area of responsibility of the respective MTF. Local travel is required, but not to exceed 25 percent of the work period. Occasionally, work may be performed in the various spaces of the health facility. There may be limited work in operational settings or industrial areas where there is a potential exposure to dangers from thermal stress, electrical shock, moving parts, and/or machinery, high noise levels, dust and grease, toxic and irritant chemicals, and ionizing/non-ionizing radiation.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR US CITIZEN OCCUPANTS ONLY:
1. Position may be designated Emergency Essential (E-E) in support of mobilization and wartime mission. If designated E-E, employee will be required to remain in the overseas position in the event of hostilities or mobilization until relieved by proper authority. E-E employees are required to undergo nuclear-biological and chemical training and to participate in readiness tests, mobilization, alerts, and field training exercises. Employee must pass a medical examination and receive required immunizations for the overseas/deployed location. Prior to appointment to the position, employee will sign a statement agreeing to the E-E condition of employment.
2. Position may require that employee pass screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and subsequent periodic drug screening thereafter.
3. Duties of this position may require the employee to obtain and maintain the designated security clearance. If a top secret clearance is required, employee must pass screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and subsequent periodic drug screening thereafter.
This position is classified in accordance with DoD Civilian Personnel Manual 1400.25-M, Subchapter 1920. This position is equivalent to GS grade 11
Evaluation:
CLC: 0000
Enclosure I Position Description: Child/Adolescent Health Educator
Position Description
PD#:
Replaces PD#:
Sequence#: VARIES
CHILD/ADOLESCENT HEALTH EDUCATOR
YA-1701-02
Servicing CPAC: KAISERSLAUTERN, GRAFENWOEHR, HEIDELBERG AREA, FRANCONIA AREA, STUTTGART AREA GERMANY, VICENZA ITALY, BENELUX BELGIUM
Agency: VARIES
Army Command: VARIES
Command Code: VARIES
Region: EUROPE
Citation 1: DOD CIVILIAN PERSONNEL MANUAL 1400.25-M, SUBCHAPTER 1920
PD Library PD: NO
COREDOC PD: NO
Classified By: MANAGER WITH DCA
Classified Date: 04/03/2008
FLSA: EXEMPT
Drug Test Required: VARIES
DCIPS PD: NO
Career Program: 00
Financial Disclosure Required: NO
Acquisition Position: NO
Functional Code: 00
Requires Access to Firearms: VARIES
Interdisciplinary: NO
Competitive Area: VARIES
Position Sensitivity: VARIES
Security Access: VARIES
Competitive Level: VARIES
Target Grade/FPL:
Career Ladder PD: NO
Emergency Essential: [ ]
Bus Code: VARIES
Personnel Reliability Position: VARIES
Information Assurance:
Influenza Vaccination: NO
PD Status: VERIFIED
Duties:
INTRODUCTION
This position is located in the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness, United States Army Center for Health Promotion and Wellness Europe (USACHPPM-EUR), Landstuhl, Germany, and various positions in USAREUR. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating and planning, organizing and implementing comprehensive physical fitness and wellness programs for child and adolescent dependents of military active duty members, reservists, and retirees based on health initiatives to enhance Military Family lifestyles. The elements of the physical fitness and wellness programs are governed by AR 600-63, Army Health Promotion, May 2007, and complement the physical fitness requirements of DoD Directive 1308.1 DoD Physical Fitness, including, but not limited to: muscular strength and endurance, aerobic and anaerobic stamina and endurance, mobility (agility, balance, coordination, flexibility, accuracy, power, speed, and stability), injury prevention, body composition, nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle. The incumbent plans, implements, and evaluates child/adolescent group and individualized physical fitness programs, maintains accurate, complete, current and confidential records where required, and serves as a resource and consultant for hospital staff and outlying clinic personnel. The incumbent provides a variety of training programs, facilitates specialized health promotion demonstration projects, and conducts consultations to a wide range of customers.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The incumbent provides leadership, continual assessment, planning, implementation, and successful program maintenance for Military Family (Child/Adolescent) Fitness and Wellness in direct support of The Health Promotion Program in their respective Area Support Group (ASG) supporting the Base Support Battalions (BSB), and/or Medical Treatment Facility. The incumbent provides direct supervision of all Fitness Trainers, interns, fellowships and volunteers employed or assigned to the Military Family (Child/Adolescent) Wellness branch of The Health Promotion Program. The objectives of this program are to enhance the quality of life for all child and adolescent dependents of military active duty members, reservists, and retirees, and to encourage lifestyles which improve and protect physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. The incumbent receives instructions, assignments, and objectives from the Chief, Health Educator (PD#: HU278970) who is responsible for coordinating and integrating all health promotion activities, monitoring program progress and advising the ASG/BSB/MTF Commanders on health issues on behalf of the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness, USACHPPM-EUR. The incumbent ensures objectives and health promotion priorities for the USACHPPM-EUR Army Health Promotion Program are met and program documents are coordinated for an integrated and standardized effort in USAREUR.
Uses existing hospital and population databases to assess health status and trends of military children and adolescents. Designs, coordinates and implements a military family-centered fitness program and health promotion program designed to support physical wellness development of military children and adolescents based on trends identified through database analysis. Focus on gradual strengthening of functional (mechanically sound, safe) movement interspersed with scaled but progressive addition of high intensity effort to solicit pronounced improvement. Within 20 working days of assignment, the incumbent will research and submit a detailed report reviewing program efficiency and cost effectiveness of available fitness provider channels, and will give their consequential recommendation whether to outsource fitness program management via contract with external civilian agency, or to individually contract (NAF) and hire certified fitness trainers (i.e. in YogaKids, CrossFitKids).
Utilizes AR600-63 as the principle source of guidance for Physical Health Promotion Programs. Targets all child and adolescent members of military families, with particular emphasis on those members in whom specific risks or disparities in participation in, access to, or knowledge about the benefits of physical activity have been identified. The incumbent formulates ability groups with sensitivity toward social support requirements (i.e.: beginner, intermediate, and advanced). Structures fitness programs to insure constantly varying program content within each skill class in order to minimize boredom and repetitiveness of movement and increase enjoyment of skill development. Program offerings must cover a broad spectrum of creative, functional, and social fitness activities designed to cultivate a social environment which specifically emphasizes fitness. Program specialization includes Exercise/Sports Science, and youth/group sports training. Changing needs as youths fitness assessments improve or stagnate, and achieving proper integration of more effective programs for fitness will necessitate constant evolution of scheduled and forecasted program activities. Ensures that fitness program activities stimulate community-wide interest and promote high adherence rates among children of military families.
2. Participates in Process Improvement. Conducts quarterly informal fitness impact assessments, using a standardized assessment provided by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, in order to gauge effectiveness of programs and measure improvements in health behavior. The incumbent is responsible for administering quarterly fitness progress assessments on child and adolescent clients, and for formal submission of assessments up to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports prior to fiscal year close.
Maintains records for all physical fitness training offerings. Ensures that program activities emphasize those activities most appropriate to the interest and insure continual improvements in fitness among the military community. Provides guidance and leadership to the various activities and participants: modifying, adapting, expanding, or otherwise changing plans and procedures of specific programs and activities as installation mission requires. Prepares after-action reports to evaluate effectiveness of various programs offered; instructs classes as needed; and assists in preparing various monthly and annual progress reports that are forwarded to Installation Commanders and Program Directors. Responsible for accurate workload accounting of employees through automated data systems. Uses various computer software programs to manage outcomes, prepare course material, and track program progress.
3. The incumbent will attend Health Promotion Councils organized by the Health Promotion Coordinator in cooperation with the Installation Commander and/or MTF Commander that determine outcome objectives for health promotion and community health programs which will enable comparison with Healthy People 2010 and various other national public health outcome objectives. He/She will also: Identify existing physical fitness programs for children and adolescents; Identify and assess other existing resources; Assess community needs; Develop a comprehensive and aggressive marketing plan of the military family physical fitness program for children in the ASG/BSB/MTF based on existing resources and needs; Use a team approach and actively encourage existing support organizations, such as ACS, CHNs, Counseling Centers, Chaplains, etc., to work together in the decision making process and in service provision (assist when needed with Relay events, Sports elimination tournaments, Fitness Fun, Running/Biking/Swimming Competitions, etc). Plan Physical Fitness and Health Promotion programs for children and adolescents based on the outcome objectives; Provide standardized Physical Fitness and Health Promotion training for children and adolescents; Develop and disseminate information (ie: emphasize personal and social implications of obesity and the health implications of an unfit lifestyle); Support clinical preventive services at the MTF; Provide expertise and input for ASG/BSB/MTF policy; Coordinate with professionals from the area, tactical units, medical treatment facilities and resource personnel in the military and civilian community.
4. The incumbent provides health education to patients and families on injury prevention, body composition, nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle through multiple avenues such as seminars, workshops, short courses, informational briefings for the Command, and visits to military and civilian dignitaries and officials concerned with health promotion activities, ensuring the program objectives for the ASG and/or MTF are met. Obtains, selects, adapts, and implements the instructional methods, materials, and techniques that will be most effective in health and fitness instruction and behavior modification.
5. Supervises Certified Fitness Instructors or civilian agency contractors hired in support of children and adolescent clients of the Military Family Fitness Program. Responsible for assigning work, providing technical oversight, developing performance plans, and rating the employees. Interviews candidates, recommends hiring/promotion, and takes disciplinary measures. Identifies developmental and training needs of employees & provides/arranges for development/training.
6. Keeps current with new information by participating in professional meetings, continuing education courses related to certification, and reading current professional journals and literature. Develops and maintains liaison with national groups and governmental agencies in the public, and private sector.
Perform other duties as assigned.
FACTOR 1. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Knowledge of the Army mission, organization and programs CONUS and OCONUS. Knowledge of community resources such as ACS, Social Work, etc. Knowledge of design and conduct of Health Promotion Programs. Familiarity with military regulations, medical institutions, and health promotion/preventive medicine principles. Familiarity and/or experience in gathering and analyzing data. This knowledge requires a combination of formal education, specialized training, and work experience in the area of health promotion. Must obtain national certification in health and fitness or personal training within 12 months of employment. Must have experience providing group or individual fitness training for youth. Must maintain Basic Life Support certification. Ability to teach and counsel groups, families and individuals. Skill to interact with military commanders, civilian and military groups and school officials, in coordinating military family education activities. Knowledge of computers and supporting software (including Microsoft Office and CHCS) in order to plan and implement program tracking and evaluation; demonstrates knowledge of automated data processing and its applications. General knowledge of organization, management and administration; specialized experience in planning and implementing programs directly related to health programs; experience working with a military population to make recommendations concerning the technical design of program components and to assure an integrated line and staff approach with continued upgrading of health promotion programs and activities. Skills in written and verbal communication to convey information to professional staff, ancillary staff, commanders, and senior leaders with wide varieties of backgrounds.
FACTOR 2. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Chief, Health Educator (PD#: HU278970) provides administrative direction and technical oversight and assessment of the incumbent's established program objectives and assigned program duties for the ASG and/or MTF. The incumbent works as special staff to the ASG/BSB/MTF Commanders and these objectives are set with the Health Promotion program goals in mind. The incumbent is responsible for planning, carrying out the projects, resolving most of the conflicts that arise, integrating and coordinating the work of others as necessary; and interpreting policy on his/her own initiative in terms of established objectives. Completed work is reviewed from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, fulfilment of broad program objectives and goals, and effectiveness in meeting requirements or expected results. The incumbent is recognized as an authority in health promotion. Results of work are considered to be professionally authoritative, and are normally accepted without significant change. If the work should be reviewed, the review concerns such matters as fulfillment of program objectives, effect of advice and influence on the overall program, or the contribution to the advancement of health promotion.
FACTOR 3. GUIDELINES
Broad and general policy statements for health promotion are provided in Army regulations, such as AR 600-63, USAREUR health promotion policies, USACHPPM policies, and professional publications. As a recognized authority in health promotion, the incumbent uses judgment in locating and selecting the appropriate references and procedures for application to specific cases to their ASG/BSB, and/or MTF and makes adaptations in dealing with problems.
FACTOR 4. COMPLEXITY
The work involves administration of physical fitness programs involving all military family and community-based programs. The incumbent must not only evaluate new approaches and techniques, but also must take into account potential effects on individual military members, families, workplaces, and command readiness. Decisions regarding design, coordination and monitoring of family fitness programs requires considerable planning, with varying degrees of sophistication in methodology. The work covers a range of education skills ranging from needs assessment through program development and teaching. Programs and teaching incorporate critical research findings and current technological advances in medicine, nursing and the healthcare system as a whole. The incumbent considers such factors as time deadlines, availability of resources, equipment and facilities, adherence to research protocol, adherence to contracts, current research literature regarding effective lifestyle modification programs, and available resources in the ASG/BSB/MTF. Duties often require creativity, method refinement and problem solving/troubleshooting, as well as drawing from past experiences.
FACTOR 5- SCOPE AND EFFECT
The work is vital to achievement of military readiness, recognized, to be of the highest priority by the Army Surgeon General, top military leaders, and Congress. The purpose of this work is to plan for and implement health promotion and education guidance using established criteria designed by CHPPM-EUR Department of Health Promotion and Wellness. The programs at the ASG/BSB/MTF are tailored to meet the specific needs of the area and CHPPM-EUR Headquarters staff will work in close cooperation and partnership with the USAREUR Health Promotion Staff Officer to provide this established criteria. This includes evaluating a variety of problems and conditions in the ASG/BSB and/or MTF, as well as within individual groups, and providing information on effective ways to resolve them. This work preserves and enhances the physical, emotional, and social health and well-being of all children and adolescent military family members who elect to participate in the prevention programs. It also affects the community as a whole, by providing an important resource in support of AR600-63, the Army Health Promotion Program. Recruit the soldier, retain the family!
FACTOR 6. PERSONAL CONTACTS
Personal contacts are generally with, but not limited to, Chief, Health Educator, USACHPPM-EUR Chief, Department of Health Promotion and Wellness, ASG/BSB/MTF Commanders, subject matter experts, health promotion council members IAW in AR 600-63, contact officials in higher headquarters and USAREUR, and any members of the Army staff and students in health related fields.
FACTOR 7. PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Contacts generally are made for the purpose of planning, coordinating, partnering, or providing professional expertise on a wide range of military family fitness issues, and for facilitating installation compliance with and support for effective health promotion programs. Contacts require considerable skill and tact in motivating, influencing, and persuading individuals and groups to accept changes in methods, practices, programs, or to adopt new approaches to fitness training and assessments. Contacts frequently require active participation by the incumbent, in a key role on behalf of Army/Air Force senior-level health promotion, in conferences, meetings, and briefings on problems or issues of considerable consequence or importance to those military family fitness goals or programs identified as high priority for the ASG/BSB/MTFs.
FACTOR 8 PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work may involve standing or stooping for long periods of time (during classroom instruction), but also lifting and/or carrying weights as an active participant (evaluating) or instructor (demonstrating) of a demanding physical fitness program, ascending/descending stairs, and carrying and transporting items up to 40 lbs between program delivery sites driving a military or personal vehicle.
FACTOR 9. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is often performed in an office environment, usually at a desk, but also conference rooms and classrooms, and will involve a computer workstation with a CRT. The work covers each BSB within the ASG and each outlying clinic in the area of responsibility of the respective MTF. Local travel is required, but not to exceed 25 percent of the work period. Occasionally, work may be performed in the various spaces of the health facility. There may be limited work in operational settings or industrial areas where there is a potential exposure to dangers from thermal stress, electrical shock, moving parts, and/or machinery, high noise levels, dust and grease, toxic and irritant chemicals, and ionizing/non-ionizing radiation.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR US CITIZEN OCCUPANTS ONLY:
1. Position may be designated Emergency Essential (E-E) in support of mobilization and wartime mission. If designated E-E, employee will be required to remain in the overseas position in the event of hostilities or mobilization until relieved by proper authority. E-E employees are required to undergo nuclear-biological and chemical training and to participate in readiness tests, mobilization, alerts, and field training exercises. Employee must pass a medical examination and receive required immunizations for the overseas/deployed location. Prior to appointment to the position, employee will sign a statement agreeing to the E-E condition of employment.
2. Position may require that employee pass screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and subsequent periodic drug screening thereafter.
3. Duties of this position may require the employee to obtain and maintain the designated security clearance. If a top secret clearance is required, employee must pass screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and subsequent periodic drug screening thereafter.
This position is classified in accordance with DoD Civilian Personnel Manual 1400.25-M, Subchapter 1920. This position is equivalent to GS grade 11
Evaluation:
CLC: 0000
PD#:
Replaces PD#:
Sequence#: VARIES
CHILD/ADOLESCENT HEALTH EDUCATOR
YA-1701-02
Servicing CPAC: KAISERSLAUTERN, GRAFENWOEHR, HEIDELBERG AREA, FRANCONIA AREA, STUTTGART AREA GERMANY, VICENZA ITALY, BENELUX BELGIUM
Agency: VARIES
Army Command: VARIES
Command Code: VARIES
Region: EUROPE
Citation 1: DOD CIVILIAN PERSONNEL MANUAL 1400.25-M, SUBCHAPTER 1920
PD Library PD: NO
COREDOC PD: NO
Classified By: MANAGER WITH DCA
Classified Date: 04/03/2008
FLSA: EXEMPT
Drug Test Required: VARIES
DCIPS PD: NO
Career Program: 00
Financial Disclosure Required: NO
Acquisition Position: NO
Functional Code: 00
Requires Access to Firearms: VARIES
Interdisciplinary: NO
Competitive Area: VARIES
Position Sensitivity: VARIES
Security Access: VARIES
Competitive Level: VARIES
Target Grade/FPL:
Career Ladder PD: NO
Emergency Essential: [ ]
Bus Code: VARIES
Personnel Reliability Position: VARIES
Information Assurance:
Influenza Vaccination: NO
PD Status: VERIFIED
Duties:
INTRODUCTION
This position is located in the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness, United States Army Center for Health Promotion and Wellness Europe (USACHPPM-EUR), Landstuhl, Germany, and various positions in USAREUR. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating and planning, organizing and implementing comprehensive physical fitness and wellness programs for child and adolescent dependents of military active duty members, reservists, and retirees based on health initiatives to enhance Military Family lifestyles. The elements of the physical fitness and wellness programs are governed by AR 600-63, Army Health Promotion, May 2007, and complement the physical fitness requirements of DoD Directive 1308.1 DoD Physical Fitness, including, but not limited to: muscular strength and endurance, aerobic and anaerobic stamina and endurance, mobility (agility, balance, coordination, flexibility, accuracy, power, speed, and stability), injury prevention, body composition, nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle. The incumbent plans, implements, and evaluates child/adolescent group and individualized physical fitness programs, maintains accurate, complete, current and confidential records where required, and serves as a resource and consultant for hospital staff and outlying clinic personnel. The incumbent provides a variety of training programs, facilitates specialized health promotion demonstration projects, and conducts consultations to a wide range of customers.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The incumbent provides leadership, continual assessment, planning, implementation, and successful program maintenance for Military Family (Child/Adolescent) Fitness and Wellness in direct support of The Health Promotion Program in their respective Area Support Group (ASG) supporting the Base Support Battalions (BSB), and/or Medical Treatment Facility. The incumbent provides direct supervision of all Fitness Trainers, interns, fellowships and volunteers employed or assigned to the Military Family (Child/Adolescent) Wellness branch of The Health Promotion Program. The objectives of this program are to enhance the quality of life for all child and adolescent dependents of military active duty members, reservists, and retirees, and to encourage lifestyles which improve and protect physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. The incumbent receives instructions, assignments, and objectives from the Chief, Health Educator (PD#: HU278970) who is responsible for coordinating and integrating all health promotion activities, monitoring program progress and advising the ASG/BSB/MTF Commanders on health issues on behalf of the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness, USACHPPM-EUR. The incumbent ensures objectives and health promotion priorities for the USACHPPM-EUR Army Health Promotion Program are met and program documents are coordinated for an integrated and standardized effort in USAREUR.
Uses existing hospital and population databases to assess health status and trends of military children and adolescents. Designs, coordinates and implements a military family-centered fitness program and health promotion program designed to support physical wellness development of military children and adolescents based on trends identified through database analysis. Focus on gradual strengthening of functional (mechanically sound, safe) movement interspersed with scaled but progressive addition of high intensity effort to solicit pronounced improvement. Within 20 working days of assignment, the incumbent will research and submit a detailed report reviewing program efficiency and cost effectiveness of available fitness provider channels, and will give their consequential recommendation whether to outsource fitness program management via contract with external civilian agency, or to individually contract (NAF) and hire certified fitness trainers (i.e. in YogaKids, CrossFitKids).
Utilizes AR600-63 as the principle source of guidance for Physical Health Promotion Programs. Targets all child and adolescent members of military families, with particular emphasis on those members in whom specific risks or disparities in participation in, access to, or knowledge about the benefits of physical activity have been identified. The incumbent formulates ability groups with sensitivity toward social support requirements (i.e.: beginner, intermediate, and advanced). Structures fitness programs to insure constantly varying program content within each skill class in order to minimize boredom and repetitiveness of movement and increase enjoyment of skill development. Program offerings must cover a broad spectrum of creative, functional, and social fitness activities designed to cultivate a social environment which specifically emphasizes fitness. Program specialization includes Exercise/Sports Science, and youth/group sports training. Changing needs as youths fitness assessments improve or stagnate, and achieving proper integration of more effective programs for fitness will necessitate constant evolution of scheduled and forecasted program activities. Ensures that fitness program activities stimulate community-wide interest and promote high adherence rates among children of military families.
2. Participates in Process Improvement. Conducts quarterly informal fitness impact assessments, using a standardized assessment provided by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, in order to gauge effectiveness of programs and measure improvements in health behavior. The incumbent is responsible for administering quarterly fitness progress assessments on child and adolescent clients, and for formal submission of assessments up to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports prior to fiscal year close.
Maintains records for all physical fitness training offerings. Ensures that program activities emphasize those activities most appropriate to the interest and insure continual improvements in fitness among the military community. Provides guidance and leadership to the various activities and participants: modifying, adapting, expanding, or otherwise changing plans and procedures of specific programs and activities as installation mission requires. Prepares after-action reports to evaluate effectiveness of various programs offered; instructs classes as needed; and assists in preparing various monthly and annual progress reports that are forwarded to Installation Commanders and Program Directors. Responsible for accurate workload accounting of employees through automated data systems. Uses various computer software programs to manage outcomes, prepare course material, and track program progress.
3. The incumbent will attend Health Promotion Councils organized by the Health Promotion Coordinator in cooperation with the Installation Commander and/or MTF Commander that determine outcome objectives for health promotion and community health programs which will enable comparison with Healthy People 2010 and various other national public health outcome objectives. He/She will also: Identify existing physical fitness programs for children and adolescents; Identify and assess other existing resources; Assess community needs; Develop a comprehensive and aggressive marketing plan of the military family physical fitness program for children in the ASG/BSB/MTF based on existing resources and needs; Use a team approach and actively encourage existing support organizations, such as ACS, CHNs, Counseling Centers, Chaplains, etc., to work together in the decision making process and in service provision (assist when needed with Relay events, Sports elimination tournaments, Fitness Fun, Running/Biking/Swimming Competitions, etc). Plan Physical Fitness and Health Promotion programs for children and adolescents based on the outcome objectives; Provide standardized Physical Fitness and Health Promotion training for children and adolescents; Develop and disseminate information (ie: emphasize personal and social implications of obesity and the health implications of an unfit lifestyle); Support clinical preventive services at the MTF; Provide expertise and input for ASG/BSB/MTF policy; Coordinate with professionals from the area, tactical units, medical treatment facilities and resource personnel in the military and civilian community.
4. The incumbent provides health education to patients and families on injury prevention, body composition, nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle through multiple avenues such as seminars, workshops, short courses, informational briefings for the Command, and visits to military and civilian dignitaries and officials concerned with health promotion activities, ensuring the program objectives for the ASG and/or MTF are met. Obtains, selects, adapts, and implements the instructional methods, materials, and techniques that will be most effective in health and fitness instruction and behavior modification.
5. Supervises Certified Fitness Instructors or civilian agency contractors hired in support of children and adolescent clients of the Military Family Fitness Program. Responsible for assigning work, providing technical oversight, developing performance plans, and rating the employees. Interviews candidates, recommends hiring/promotion, and takes disciplinary measures. Identifies developmental and training needs of employees & provides/arranges for development/training.
6. Keeps current with new information by participating in professional meetings, continuing education courses related to certification, and reading current professional journals and literature. Develops and maintains liaison with national groups and governmental agencies in the public, and private sector.
Perform other duties as assigned.
FACTOR 1. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Knowledge of the Army mission, organization and programs CONUS and OCONUS. Knowledge of community resources such as ACS, Social Work, etc. Knowledge of design and conduct of Health Promotion Programs. Familiarity with military regulations, medical institutions, and health promotion/preventive medicine principles. Familiarity and/or experience in gathering and analyzing data. This knowledge requires a combination of formal education, specialized training, and work experience in the area of health promotion. Must obtain national certification in health and fitness or personal training within 12 months of employment. Must have experience providing group or individual fitness training for youth. Must maintain Basic Life Support certification. Ability to teach and counsel groups, families and individuals. Skill to interact with military commanders, civilian and military groups and school officials, in coordinating military family education activities. Knowledge of computers and supporting software (including Microsoft Office and CHCS) in order to plan and implement program tracking and evaluation; demonstrates knowledge of automated data processing and its applications. General knowledge of organization, management and administration; specialized experience in planning and implementing programs directly related to health programs; experience working with a military population to make recommendations concerning the technical design of program components and to assure an integrated line and staff approach with continued upgrading of health promotion programs and activities. Skills in written and verbal communication to convey information to professional staff, ancillary staff, commanders, and senior leaders with wide varieties of backgrounds.
FACTOR 2. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Chief, Health Educator (PD#: HU278970) provides administrative direction and technical oversight and assessment of the incumbent's established program objectives and assigned program duties for the ASG and/or MTF. The incumbent works as special staff to the ASG/BSB/MTF Commanders and these objectives are set with the Health Promotion program goals in mind. The incumbent is responsible for planning, carrying out the projects, resolving most of the conflicts that arise, integrating and coordinating the work of others as necessary; and interpreting policy on his/her own initiative in terms of established objectives. Completed work is reviewed from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, fulfilment of broad program objectives and goals, and effectiveness in meeting requirements or expected results. The incumbent is recognized as an authority in health promotion. Results of work are considered to be professionally authoritative, and are normally accepted without significant change. If the work should be reviewed, the review concerns such matters as fulfillment of program objectives, effect of advice and influence on the overall program, or the contribution to the advancement of health promotion.
FACTOR 3. GUIDELINES
Broad and general policy statements for health promotion are provided in Army regulations, such as AR 600-63, USAREUR health promotion policies, USACHPPM policies, and professional publications. As a recognized authority in health promotion, the incumbent uses judgment in locating and selecting the appropriate references and procedures for application to specific cases to their ASG/BSB, and/or MTF and makes adaptations in dealing with problems.
FACTOR 4. COMPLEXITY
The work involves administration of physical fitness programs involving all military family and community-based programs. The incumbent must not only evaluate new approaches and techniques, but also must take into account potential effects on individual military members, families, workplaces, and command readiness. Decisions regarding design, coordination and monitoring of family fitness programs requires considerable planning, with varying degrees of sophistication in methodology. The work covers a range of education skills ranging from needs assessment through program development and teaching. Programs and teaching incorporate critical research findings and current technological advances in medicine, nursing and the healthcare system as a whole. The incumbent considers such factors as time deadlines, availability of resources, equipment and facilities, adherence to research protocol, adherence to contracts, current research literature regarding effective lifestyle modification programs, and available resources in the ASG/BSB/MTF. Duties often require creativity, method refinement and problem solving/troubleshooting, as well as drawing from past experiences.
FACTOR 5- SCOPE AND EFFECT
The work is vital to achievement of military readiness, recognized, to be of the highest priority by the Army Surgeon General, top military leaders, and Congress. The purpose of this work is to plan for and implement health promotion and education guidance using established criteria designed by CHPPM-EUR Department of Health Promotion and Wellness. The programs at the ASG/BSB/MTF are tailored to meet the specific needs of the area and CHPPM-EUR Headquarters staff will work in close cooperation and partnership with the USAREUR Health Promotion Staff Officer to provide this established criteria. This includes evaluating a variety of problems and conditions in the ASG/BSB and/or MTF, as well as within individual groups, and providing information on effective ways to resolve them. This work preserves and enhances the physical, emotional, and social health and well-being of all children and adolescent military family members who elect to participate in the prevention programs. It also affects the community as a whole, by providing an important resource in support of AR600-63, the Army Health Promotion Program. Recruit the soldier, retain the family!
FACTOR 6. PERSONAL CONTACTS
Personal contacts are generally with, but not limited to, Chief, Health Educator, USACHPPM-EUR Chief, Department of Health Promotion and Wellness, ASG/BSB/MTF Commanders, subject matter experts, health promotion council members IAW in AR 600-63, contact officials in higher headquarters and USAREUR, and any members of the Army staff and students in health related fields.
FACTOR 7. PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Contacts generally are made for the purpose of planning, coordinating, partnering, or providing professional expertise on a wide range of military family fitness issues, and for facilitating installation compliance with and support for effective health promotion programs. Contacts require considerable skill and tact in motivating, influencing, and persuading individuals and groups to accept changes in methods, practices, programs, or to adopt new approaches to fitness training and assessments. Contacts frequently require active participation by the incumbent, in a key role on behalf of Army/Air Force senior-level health promotion, in conferences, meetings, and briefings on problems or issues of considerable consequence or importance to those military family fitness goals or programs identified as high priority for the ASG/BSB/MTFs.
FACTOR 8 PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work may involve standing or stooping for long periods of time (during classroom instruction), but also lifting and/or carrying weights as an active participant (evaluating) or instructor (demonstrating) of a demanding physical fitness program, ascending/descending stairs, and carrying and transporting items up to 40 lbs between program delivery sites driving a military or personal vehicle.
FACTOR 9. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is often performed in an office environment, usually at a desk, but also conference rooms and classrooms, and will involve a computer workstation with a CRT. The work covers each BSB within the ASG and each outlying clinic in the area of responsibility of the respective MTF. Local travel is required, but not to exceed 25 percent of the work period. Occasionally, work may be performed in the various spaces of the health facility. There may be limited work in operational settings or industrial areas where there is a potential exposure to dangers from thermal stress, electrical shock, moving parts, and/or machinery, high noise levels, dust and grease, toxic and irritant chemicals, and ionizing/non-ionizing radiation.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR US CITIZEN OCCUPANTS ONLY:
1. Position may be designated Emergency Essential (E-E) in support of mobilization and wartime mission. If designated E-E, employee will be required to remain in the overseas position in the event of hostilities or mobilization until relieved by proper authority. E-E employees are required to undergo nuclear-biological and chemical training and to participate in readiness tests, mobilization, alerts, and field training exercises. Employee must pass a medical examination and receive required immunizations for the overseas/deployed location. Prior to appointment to the position, employee will sign a statement agreeing to the E-E condition of employment.
2. Position may require that employee pass screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and subsequent periodic drug screening thereafter.
3. Duties of this position may require the employee to obtain and maintain the designated security clearance. If a top secret clearance is required, employee must pass screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and subsequent periodic drug screening thereafter.
This position is classified in accordance with DoD Civilian Personnel Manual 1400.25-M, Subchapter 1920. This position is equivalent to GS grade 11
Evaluation:
CLC: 0000
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About Me
- Ginger Sladky
- I am an active duty Army soldier's housewife, and a former GS-12 IT Specialist who resigned in 2007 in order to have our first child while stationed overseas. My husband spent two 14-month tours in Afghanistan, one of which was 4-weeks following the birth of our son.